Armed bandits have killed 18 villagers at the Kutemeshi community in Kuyello District of Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Daily Trust reports that the bandits invaded the community around 5.30 pm on Saturday.
It was gathered that the operation lasted for three hours without assistance from security agencies.
Confirming the killings, Councilor representing Kuyello Ward, Abdulrahman Yusuf, said 15 people were injured.
“18 men were killed while 15 sustained critical injuries. Those in critical condition will be transferred to Kaduna for treatment. As we speak we are preparing to bury those killed any moment from now,” he said.
According to him, Kutemeshi village is about four kilometres from Sabuwa town in Katsina State. He said only local vigilantes came to the rescue of the villagers during the attack.
Abdulrahman said the people are in despair as they do not know what to do next.
Calls to the state Police command spokesman ASP Mohammed Jalige remain unanswered.
14 killed – Kaduna gov’t
Contrary to the earlier report, the Kaduna State Government said only 14 villagers have been killed at Kutemeshi village in kuyello district of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of the state.
The government said some of the injured have been moved to a neighbouring state closer to Kutemeshi for urgent medical attention, while others are in transit to an orthopaedic hospital in Kaduna.
Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner internal Security and Home Affairs, said so far, only 14 corpses have been recovered from Kutemeshi.
He said, “In Kutemeshi village of Birnin Gwari LGA, the following citizens killed were Malan Sani Barume Yahaya Bello, Amadu Dan Korau, Samaila Niga, Jamilu Haruna.
“Others are Lawal Majiya, Dan Malam Rabo, Dauda Kafinta, Hassan Mai Makani, Bashir Haruna, Lawal Ali, Mu’azu Haruna, Mai Unguwa Sa’a.”
5 killed in Kajuru
Similarly, Samuel Aruwan confirmed the killing of five other people at Kujeni village in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state
He said the bandits who invaded the community also left several others with bullet wounds.
According to him, both Kutemeshi and Kujeni attacks happened on Sunday.
He explained that in Kujeni village 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. Those injured include Bulus Sambayi and Godwin Yakubu,” he said.
He said Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who has been monitoring the security situation at the locations since Saturday morning, expressed sadness over the attacks.
He said 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.
The government and security agencies are following up on a reported attack on Sunday morning around Kikwari village of Kajuru LGA, and will also provide an update as soon as feedback is received.
Recall that armed bandits had displaced thousands of people from different communities in various parts of Birnin-Gwari and other parts of Kaduna.
Meanwhile, kidnappers have abducted four more persons in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) following an attack in Tungan Maje town in Gwagwalada.
An eyewitness as saying that the kidnappers operated for three hours, from 12am to 3am on Sunday.
