By Muhammadu Sabiu
Reports have indicated that no fewer than five people have been killed in the recent violent attacks launched on some Zangon Kataf communities of Kaduna State.
This was stated in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday by Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner for Internal Security and Internal Affairs. He said that among those killed is a 10-year old by unidentified persons.
Confirming the unfortunate incidents, Mr Aruwan said, “The boy (identified as the son of one Alhaji Dare Mato) was attacked while herding cattle. The corpse of the young herder was recovered and buried.
“An attack was also reported in Kurmin Masara along Bakin Kogi in Atyap Chiefdom.
“One resident, Philip Magu, was killed during the attack before the assailants were repelled by a combined team of Operation Safe Haven and Police Special Tactical Squad.
“Furthermore, gunmen attacked the Jankasa general area around the Zangon Kataf/Kaura LGA boundaries. Troops also repelled the assailants, but one resident (identified simply as Haruna) was shot dead in his farm by the fleeing miscreants.
“The troops also repelled an attack in Ungwan Rana in Zonzon District, after a fierce exchange of fire with bandits. One resident, Bitrus Kauna, sustained serious gunshot wounds during the attack and eventually died in hospital.
“Finally, one Samson Sunday was killed by unidentified persons on his farm in Ungwan Gaiya.
Mr Aruwan added, “Following the disturbing cycle of violence, the Kaduna State Government has appealed to all residents to embrace recourse to the law, and break the brutal cycle of killing and reprisal, to adequately support Government’s peace-building efforts in the area.”
Kaduna State is a northwestern state known for ethno-religious violence, kidnappings and killings by suspected gunmen.
