Renewed banditry and terrorists attacks in villages across Kaduna and Borno States saw to the death of over 58 persons by the weekend . About 38 were killed by bandits in several villages in Giwa Loocal Government Area of Kaduna State, 20 were killed by Boko Haram at Kilanga village in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
Eye witnesses say that houses, trucks and cars were also destroyed in the Kaduna attack, while several persons sustained gunshot injuries in the attack by Boko Haram.
Kaduna State government, which confirmed the attacks yesterday, said at least 29 of the victims had been identified, adding that efforts were being made to identify others.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna, said the attacks were reported to the state government by the military and police authorities. He listed Kauran Fawa, Marke and Riheya as villages attacked by the bandits.
“Houses, trucks, and cars were also burnt, along with agricultural produce at various farms.
Governor Nasir El-Rufai received the reports with sadness and sent condolences to the families of the victims of the brutal attacks while praying for the repose of their souls.
“The governor also commiserated with the affected communities and directed the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency to conduct an urgent assessment of the area towards providing relief,’’ Aruwan said.
He also listed those killed, so far identified as Rabi‘u Wada, Salisu Boka, Nura Nuhu, Bashari Sabiu, Lawal Dahiru, Abbas Saidu, Inusa Kano, Lawal Nagargari, Aminu, and Lawal Maigyad.
Others are Alh Mustapha, Lawal Aliyu, Sale Makeri, Sani Lawal, Auwal Umar, Jamilu Hassan , Badamasi Mukhtar, Malam Jibril, Lawal Tsawa, Sule Hamisu, Sadi Bala, Kabiru Gesha, and Abubakar Sanusi.
Also identified were Saiph Abdu, Haruna Musa Lawal Hudu, Malam Shuaibu Habibu, Malam Yahaya Habibu, and Abubakar Yusuf.
Kaduna had been witnessing a surge in the activities of bandits, despite the proscription of bandit gangs in the country.
Similarly, at least over 20 people were killed, while several others sustained gunshot injuries as suspected members of Boko Haram invaded Kilangar village in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State yesterday.
Klangar is a community in Askira Uba Council where the Deputy Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly, Engr Abdullahi Askira, hails from, and whose family house was razed a few months ago by insurgents.
The insurgents also completely razed the residence of the District Head of Kilangar, Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu Kilangar, in the afternoon attack.