A group of armed bandits attacked the Sabon Layi community of Birnin Gwari local government area of Kaduna State, killing nine villagers including four local vigilante members. The incident occurred when the bandits stormed the area with their large numbers and shot sporadically. In addition to the nine people who were killed, the bandits also rustled several livestock and abducted over 20 people.
This attack comes after troops of operation Forest Sanity under 1 Division Nigerian Army ambushed and neutralised a notorious bandit leader, Isiya Danwasa, and his cohort, following a tip-off from human intelligence sources. The bandit leader had intended to send one of his errand boys named Yunusa to purchase some arms and ammunition in Kaduna town, according to the intelligence gathered. Subsequently, the errand boy was trailed and picked up by plain cloth soldiers and later used to lure two of the bandits leaders to a selected ammunition collection point.
The Kaduna State Police Command has not issued any statement on the incident, but the military authorities have assured residents that they are taking necessary measures to ensure that the culprits are brought to justice. The bandits have been terrorizing the community for a long time, and the residents have repeatedly called on the government to intervene and address the security challenges in the area.
The attack has sparked outrage and condemnation from various quarters, with many calling on the government to take immediate action to end the wanton killing and kidnapping of innocent citizens by bandits. The situation in Kaduna and other parts of the country has become increasingly worrisome, with the rise of criminal activities like banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency.
The security situation in Nigeria requires urgent attention, as the country struggles to cope with a series of security challenges that have led to the loss of many lives and property. The government and security agencies need to work together to address the root causes of these security challenges and come up with effective strategies to protect the lives and properties of citizens. It is hoped that the perpetrators of this heinous act will be brought to justice, and measures put in place to prevent such attacks in the future