Gov. Nasir El-Rufai has condemned in the strongest terms, Monday’s attack on Ungwan Magaji, Kigam, Kisicho and Kikoba villages in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan stated in a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna.
Aruwan said, “According to a report from the Defence Headquarters Operation Safe Haven, armed assailants attacked the mentioned villages early on Monday morning, and swiftly left six residents dead.
“Responding to a distress call, troops arrived the location and engaged the attackers, forcing them to retreat.”
He said, in addition to the casualties, it was reported that eight houses, six huts, one motorcycle and a generator were razed during the attack.
“Some maize crops were also destroyed,” he said.
According to Daily Trust newspaper, the number of dead is at least 18 people, including a policeman. It reported that six people were reportedly killed at Ungwan Magaji, six in Kikoba, one in Kigam and five in Kishisho.
A resident of one of the affected communities said the attackers invaded their community, shooting at anything in sight.
“The invaders destroyed property worth millions of naira including farmlands in the affected areas,” said the resident who preferred anonymity.
The Commissioner said that the governor expressed sadness over the attack and condemned it as an action of depraved entities stripped of every shred of humanity.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims, and sent his condolences to their families.
The statement said that the governor tasked security agencies working in the area to sustain thorough investigations into the incident.
“Investigations are ongoing in the general area.
“Government will keep the public abreast of developments in Kauru LGA.”
Aruwan said the military and other security agencies are working with the governments of Kaduna and Plateau States to contain the renewed cycle of violence in Kauru LGA of Kaduna State and Bassa LGA of Plateau.
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Update:
In a subsequent tally on Wednesday, Mr. Aruwan said a total of 68 people had been confirmed killed in the attacks while 63 houses were set ablaze and 68 hectares of farm land were destroyed.
The killings and destruction took place across Ungwan Magaji, Kishicho, Kigam and Kikoba villages of Kauru LGA. Some of those who lost their lives include Timothy Auta, Dauda Gabi, Larai Danladi, Johnny Danladi, Chibi Chiwo, Monday Titus, Altine Maza, Dauda Bala, Asabe Magani, Gani James, Adamu Kusa and Matthew Ishaya.
