By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
At least seven people, including a one-year-old baby, were killed while eight others sustained injuries when suspected armed bandits attacked Angwan Rimi community in Kamaru Ward, Kauru Local Government Area of Southern Kaduna.
Local sources confirmed on Tuesday that the victims of Sunday night’s attack were identified as Jacob Zaka, 12; Felicia Francis, 30; Margaret Mathias, 5; Veronica Paul, 25; Delight Paul, 1; Confidence Yakubu, 15; and Sati Markus, 9.
The injured, who are receiving treatment at nearby health facilities, were listed as Mathew Sunday, 14; Jethro Istafanus, 7; Jackson Istafanus, 5; Emmanuel Morris, 14; Agatha Sylvester, 9; Joy Markus, 9; Divine Paul, 6 months; and Mary Ishaya, 12.
Residents described the attack as “wicked and inhuman” and called on security agencies to strengthen protection for vulnerable communities.
“We sympathize with the families of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of the injured,” a representative of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Kamaru branch, said.
The IDA urged the Federal Government, Kaduna State Government, and Kauru Local Government Council to act swiftly to safeguard lives and property. It assured residents that security operatives had been alerted and appealed for calm during the mourning period.
The incident comes amid a rise in banditry in Kaduna, underscored by an August 16 Zagazola report titled Why Banditry May Be Returning to Kaduna.
The surge in violence has been linked to the August 3 assassination of Musa Kachallah, a repentant bandit leader who had embraced peace. His killing is believed to have sparked retaliatory attacks by armed groups who view the state’s amnesty program as insincere or poorly managed.
Security experts have urged intensified surveillance in high-risk areas, including Chikun, Kauru, Giwa, Makarfi along the Zaria–Kano highway, and Kajuru LGAs.
When contacted, Kaduna State Police Command spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, had yet to respond as of the time of filing this report.
