Gunmen on Saturday night raided the Sankwab community in Atyap Chiefdom of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, Kaduna State. In the attack, they killed up to 20 villagers. Several houses were also destroyed and property worth millions of naira was destroyed by the gunmen who stormed the community.
The Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the attack. However, he has remained silent on the number of casualties.
However, a source told reporters that the invaders, believed to be Fulani militia, stormed the community at about 10 pm on Saturday night. They shot indiscriminately at anyone in sight and killed at least 20 as locals ran for their lives.
However, it was learned that the quick response of the army aided in countering the attacks and also saved the day. The commissioner, while reacting to the latest killings in Southern Kaduna, said the military has informed the state government that several lives have been lost.
He said this in a statement, titled, ‘Several lives lost in Runji village of Zangon Kataf LGA…El-Rufai condemns killings. The statement was released to newsmen on Sunday. furthermore, he said that the preliminary report also informed the state government that the attack left scores of residents injured. However, an unspecified number of houses were burnt.
The Commissioner quoted the state governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai to have condemned the renewed attack. He also claimed he passed his condolences to the victims’ families of the attack.
He said-
“The military has informed the Kaduna State Government of an attack in Runji village, Zangon Kataf LGA, in which several lives were lost on Saturday night.
“The preliminary report further informed the government that the attack also left some residents injured and an unspecified number of houses burnt down in the community.
“According to the report, troops had a fierce encounter with the attackers and are still in the general area.
“While waiting for a detailed report, Governor Nasir El-Rufai who received the preliminary report in the early hours of Sunday has condemned the killings as unacceptable and unjustifiable.
“The Governor condoled the families that lost their loved ones and prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
“The Kaduna State Government will update the public on the incident as soon as detailed reports are received from the security agencies.”
cc: Punch Ng
