Gunmen on rampage kill 9 people, kidnap ex-CBN Director, Brother, Sister-in-Law, 32 others

Nine persons have been killed in separate attacks in Kauru and Igabi local government areas of Kaduna State, while thirty-five others including a retired director of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), his brother and the brother’s wife were abducted by unknown gunmen.

The Kauru LGA incident, which took place in Kwasam community, occurred on Friday night a few minutes after 10pm when bandits invaded the community, shooting sporadically. Residents of the area say the bandits picked two people at gunpoint, who led them to the residence of the retired CBN staff and abducted him. The residents also say the bandits again moved to the abducted former CBN director’s family house to abduct his brother and his wife.

It was further gathered that when the residents rushed out in an attempt to rescue the victims, the bandits fired at them, killing six instantly and injuring two others.

 The residents added that those killed by the bandits include Danmasanin Gwaska, Mrs. Giwa John; Kapishi Barmu; Ganya Ubangida; Shigama Salisu, and Gani Magawata, while those kidnapped included Mr. Zakariya Markus (retired CBN director), Mr. Monday Markus, Mrs. Monday Markus, Mr. Alhamdu Makeri’s son and Baban Fati of Kauru.

In the Igabi LGA attack, which happened in Sabon Birni Ward, three persons were killed while 30 were kidnapped by the attackers.

Reacting to the incident, the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, ordered for an aggressive military operations against bandits across the state following the fresh attacks.

Speaking through the Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, at Gwada and Kerawa villages in Igabi LGA, the governor said

‘’We are here on behalf of Governor Uba Sani to first of all condole with you over the lives lost in Sabon Birni Wards in Igabi LGA and also Kwassam, Kurera and Kan Makama communities in Kauru LGA.

May Almighty God grant the deceased eternal rest, and grant a speedy recovery to the injured. I want to assure you that we are also here for an assessment of the security situation and as you can see, troops are presently carrying out operations in these locations, to which you have attested. The Governor of Kaduna State is not relenting in his efforts, and he is also working towards sustained aggressive military operations in the frontline locations and emerging fronts like Kauru LGA.”