Again, terrorists killed eighteen persons on Wednesday 12, 2023 in Birnin Gwari and Zangon Kataf LGA, Kaduna state, Northwest Nigeria.
The attacks include four local vigilantes in Sabon Layi Community, Birnin Gwari LGA. Eight others were left dead in the early hours of Thursday after suspected terrorists stormed Takjeh Village, Zangon Kataf LGA.
According to News Central’s records, this brings to 134 the number of people killed by terrorists in the state since January. Also, 60 people have been abducted.
On Tuesday, residents reported seeing terrorists patrolling a community that was affected by their attacks, but there were no security operatives present to chase them away. According to a report by BBC Hausa, the assailants kidnapped several locals and rustled their livestock.
The Kaduna State Ministry of Internal Security is still compiling details of the incident, but military jets have been deployed to the community to prevent further attacks.
In a separate incident, terrorists who attacked a community in Birnin-Gwari were killed by military fighter jets as they tried to escape.
Samuel Aruwan, the State Commissioner for the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, stated in a press release that the ministry received a distress call about armed bandits attacking Sabon Layi village in Birnin Gwari LGA at 9:44am.
“It was confirmed that the bandits were shooting, rustling cattle, looting property and committing other heinous crimes, a situation which had residents scampering for safety.
“Immediately, the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch was contacted for action, and the unit responded promptly to the location.
“On arrival at Sabon Layi, a thorough scan revealed normal human activities at the reported location. However, about four kilometres north of Sabon Layi village, the bandits were sighted fleeing for cover from the aircraft. They were engaged and neutralised in several passes.
“No further movement was observed after the strike. The aircraft sustained its presence overhead before withdrawing.
“While the government awaits a formal report on the initial attack in Sabon Layi village, Governor Nasir el-Rufai has praised the Air Component for the prompt action, and conveyed his gratitude for neutralising the fleeing bandits,” the statement added.