Bandits killed two people in Garawa Village and Ungwan Dan Yaya both in Giwa Local Government Area (LGA).
The kidnappers also killed one person and injured three people in Wawan Rafi Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna state.
This is just as military jet fighters killed many bandits in air missions across Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi and Chikun LGAs, according to a statement signed by Kaduna state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan.
Aruwan said, “Security agencies have reported that armed bandits attacked Garawa village of Fatika District, Giwa local government area. One Alhaju Saadu was killed by the bandits, while some citizens were kidnapped.
“Armed bandits raided Doka village also of Fatika District in the same local government and abducted some residents. In Angwan Dan Yaya village of the same district, one resident Alhaji Suleiman Audu was shot dead by armed bandits.
“Security agencies have reported an attack by suspected bandits on some locals in a recreational joint at Wawan Rafi village, Zangon Kataf local government area.
“The security agencies in a feedback to Kaduna state government said a citizen, one John Isah was confirmed dead following the attack and three others injured, listed as follows: Fidelix Jacob, Abraham Isah, Philemon Adamu.
“The security agencies added that two AK 47 rifles were recovered, along with over 43 rounds of ammunition from two individuals, Malachi Akut and Gabas Gaje. They were immediately arrested for further interrogation.
“The security report further said, while the troops were trailing the bandits, an irate mob comprising youths and some individuals launched a violent protest and forcibly freed the arrested suspects from custody, aiding their escape.
“Governor Nasir el-Rufai expressed sadness at the report, and prayed for the repose of the soul of the dead, while wishing the injured speedy recovery. The Governor frowned at the disruption of security operation and further directed security agencies to proceed with thorough investigations into the attack and subsequent protests. Investigations into the incidents are in progress.”
Speaking further, Aruwan said, “Air platforms conducted armed reconnaissance over Sabon Birnin, Rikau, Kaya, Kerawa, Galadimawa, Fatika, Kidandan, Saulawa, Dogon Dawa, Ngade Allah, Kuduru, Yadi, Damari, Takama, Sabuwa, Ungwar Yako and its connecting track to Kuduru, as well as the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road all of Birnin Gwari, Chikun, Igabi and Giwa local government areas.
“According to the operational feedback to the Kaduna state government, Rikau was observed to be active with bandits. The location was engaged accordingly, with several bandits neutralized. About 3km southeast of Saulawa, bandits were seen fleeing from the air raid with herds of cattle. They were engaged and neutralized.
“Ground troops at Dogon Dawa and Sabon Birni reported a calm situation. All other areas covered were likewise calm with no suspicious activity observed.
“In a subsequent mission, armed reconnaissance was conducted over Kampanin Doka, Maganda, Farin Ruwa, Nachibi, Kwasakwasa, Sabon Kuyello, Sabon Layilasan and environs. At Maganda, two bandits were engaged and neutralized as they tried to escape the notice of the fighter jet crew.
“Ground troops reported bandit activities at Gatarawa, close to Rumana. While the crew did not establish clear contact, the location was strafed with probing shots into the dense vegetation. Normal activities were observed along the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road and other locations covered.
“Governor Nasir el-Rufai thanked the troops and crew for sustaining the pressure on identified bandit locations. Vigorous ground and air patrols are set to continue in the general area.”
