By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Armed bandits have killed seven people, including a one-year-old baby, in a fresh attack on Angwan Rimi community in Kamaru ward, Kauru Local Government Area of Southern Kaduna.
Local sources confirmed that the attack, which occurred on Sunday night, also left eight others injured. Those killed were identified as Jacob Zaka (12), Felicia Francis (30), Margret Mathias (5), Veronica Paul (25), Delight Paul (1), Confidence Yakubu (15), and Sati Markus (9).
The injured victims, who are receiving treatment in nearby health facilities, include Mathew Sunday (14), Jethro Istafanus (7), Jackson Istafanus (5), Emmanuel Morris (14), Agatha Sylvester (9), Joy Markus (9), Devine Paul (6 months), and Mary Ishaya (12).
Residents described the incident as wicked and inhuman, calling on security agencies to strengthen protection in vulnerable communities. The Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Kamaru branch, condemned the killings and sympathized with the families of the deceased while praying for the recovery of the injured.
The association also urged the Federal Government, Kaduna State Government, and Kauru Local Government to take urgent steps to protect lives and property. It assured residents that security operatives had been alerted and appealed for calm during the mourning period.
The attack comes amid rising insecurity in Kaduna. Security experts link the resurgence of banditry to the August 3 assassination of a repentant bandit leader, Musa Kachallah, who had embraced peace. His death is believed to have triggered reprisal attacks, undermining the state’s amnesty program.
Analysts have called for intensified surveillance in high-risk areas, including Chikun, Kauru, Giwa, Makarfi, Kajuru, and the Zaria–Kano highway corridor. The Kaduna State Government has yet to issue a statement.
Efforts to reach Kaduna State Police Command spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.