By Attah Ede
Suspected bandits have launched deadly attacks on Kaduna communities, killing no fewer than nine farmers and Kidnapping many others.
It was gathered that the bandits invaded the local communities in the Birnin-Gwari Emirate of Kaduna State on Saturday night.
It was further learnt that the bandits stormed the communities at about 6:30 p.m., when local peasants were tending to their crops.
According to local sources, the bloodshed was triggered by a failed robbery attempt in which two armed bandits had attempted to snatch a farmer’s motorcycle.
A resident, Ibrahim Garba, said the incident ended in the death of one of the bandits.
“The other bandit fled and returned with a heavily armed gang that unleashed a ruthless assault on farmers working in the vicinity.
“Nine bodies have been recovered from the fields so far. While the identities of three victims remain unknown, local authorities confirmed the names of six of the deceased as Habibu Danko, Zaharaddin Musa Gumu, and Maibaka Mayana.
“Others are Umar Maibaka, Yusufu Dankatakaki, and Shaf’iu Kagadama.
“The bandits also abducted many farmers, with residents fearing some had been killed. We are still on search-and-rescue operations, led by local vigilantes.…” Mr Garba said.
Another resident, Ishaq Kasai, Safety and Security Consultant, Northwest and Former Chairman, Birnin-Gwari Emirate Progressive Union (BEPU), said the search for more bodies or survivors would resume on Sunday.
As of the time of filing this report, the police and the state Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs had yet to comment on the latest development.
