19 feared dead, scores missing as bandits storm Kaduna community

Following bandits attack on Kutemeshi Community in the Birnin-Gwari area of Kaduna State, 19 persons has reportedly died, while many other were said to be missing.

IDOMA VOICE gathered that the incident happened around 7pm on Saturday.

According to a source within the community, several calls put across to security agencies were unattended to, leaving the people at the mercy of the bandits.

The source said only the local volunteer vigilantes responded to the emergency calls after the bandits had retreated to the bush.

“Early Sunday morning, 19 people were confirmed dead, while several others were injured and many people still missing. Those killed are set for burial.

“We called several times for security reinforcements, but only a handful of volunteer vigilantes came after the bandits had retreated to the bush around 7pm yesterday.

“In recent days, armed bandits had displaced thousands of people from different communities in various parts of Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State,” the source, Bashir Lawal told SaharaReporters.

Confirming the incident on Sunday, the state Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said only 14 corpses have been recovered.

Aruwan said; “So far, only the 14 corpses have been recovered from Kutemeshi. The Kaduna State Government will provide updates on any emerging developments.”

He disclosed that some were also looted by the hoodlums. Adding that the injured persons have been moved to a neighbouring state closer to Kutemeshi for urgent medical attention.

“Some shops were also looted with valuable items carted away. Some of the injured (persons) have been moved to a neighbouring state closer to Kutemeshi for urgent medical attention, while others are in transit to an orthopaedic hospital in Kaduna,” he said.

Aruwan listed the names of people killed as Malan Sani Barume, Yahaya Bello, Amadu Dan Korau, Samaila Niga, Jamilu Haruna, Lawal Majiya, Dan Malam Rabo, Dauda Kafinta, Hassan Mai Makani, Bashir Haruna, Lawal Ali, Mu’azu Haruna, Mai Unguwa Sa’adu and Harisu Bako.