In a recent attack by bandits on Runji Village in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, no fewer than 30 people were killed, and several houses were burned down. The attack happened on Saturday night, barely three days after bandits killed eight people in the same local government area.
Sources from the affected area revealed that local guards engaged the bandits, but military intervention was required to repel the attack. The swift response of the military was commended by locals who believe that the entire community would have been wiped out if not for the timely intervention.
Confirming the incident, Samuel Aruwan, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, said that the Governor of the state, Nasir El-Rufai, had condemned the attack. The preliminary report submitted by the military stated that several lives were lost in the attack, with some residents injured and several houses burnt down. Troops reportedly had a fierce encounter with the attackers, and Governor El-Rufai has described the killings as unjustifiable.
The Governor has condoled with the families of the victims and prayed for the repose of their souls. He also prayed for the quick recovery of the injured. The National President of Atyap Community Development Association (ACDA), Sam Timbuwak Achie, confirmed that soldiers and some vigilantes killed some of the bandits in the gun battle. He added that the casualty figure would have been higher if not for the intervention of the military.
The attack has once again highlighted the need for tighter security in Kaduna State, which has experienced several attacks in recent years. Southern Kaduna has been particularly vulnerable to attacks by bandits, which has led to a loss of lives and property. Governor El-Rufai has called on the security agencies to intensify their efforts to ensure that such attacks do not occur again. The Kaduna State Government has promised to provide more information about the incident as soon as detailed reports are received from the security agencies.