Kaduna State Governor, Mr Nasir el-Rufai
On Sunday, the government of Kaduna State confirmed that another 19 people were killed, with many others sustaining injuries following bandits’ attacks on communities in Birnin Gwari and Kajuru Local Government Areas of the state. Although the government account of the incident put the death toll at 19, eyewitnesses said not less than 24 persons were actually killed.
In a statement confirming the incident, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, said 14 people were killed in the attack on Kutemeshi, while five others were killed in the attack on Kujeni village, Kajuru LGA. He also said the bandits looted shops and burnt houses.
“On a sad note, the Kaduna State Government has received reports from security agencies of the killing of 19 citizens in Birnin Gwari and Kajuru Local Government Areas of Kaduna Central Senatorial District. The citizens were killed by armed bandits at Kutemeshi village in Birnin Gwari and Kujeni village in Kajuru, where several others were left with bullet wounds. Both attacks occurred on Saturday,” Aruwan said.
He listed those killed in the attack on Kutemeshi village to include Malan Sani Barume, Yahaya Bello Amadu Dan Korau, Samaila Niga, Jamilu Haruna, Lawal Majiya, Dan Malam Rabo, Dauda Kafinta, Hassan Mai Makani. Bashir Haruna Lawal Ali, Mu’azu Haruna Mai Unguwa Sa’adu and Harisu Bako.
“Some shops were also looted with valuable items carted away. Some of the injured have been moved to a neighboring state closer to Kutemeshi for urgent medical attention, while others are in transit to an orthopaedic hospital in Kaduna”, the commissioner said.
“So far, only the 14 corpses have been recovered from Kutemeshi,” he said, adding that the state government will provide updates on any emerging developments.
“In Kujeni village of Kajuru LGA, the attackers burnt several houses, storehouses with foodstuff, warehouses loaded with building materials and a church. The following citizens were killed: Bulus Jatau, Hanatu Emmanuel, Bitrus Tuna Yohanna Mika and Monday Ayuba, while those injured include Bulus Sambayi and Godwin Yakubu.” “Governor Nasir el-Rufai, who has been monitoring the security situation at the locations since Saturday morning, expressed sadness over the attacks. The governor who condoled with families that lost their loved ones, offered prayers for the repose of their souls and a speedy recovery for the injured. He further directed the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency to urgently provide relief materials to the affected communities,” he added.
