Bandits burn church, kill 2, kidnap 9 in Kaduna

Bandits at the weekend burnt the building of the Holy Family Catholic Church and two houses in Kikwari village, Kajuru local government area.

Another gang of bandits also on Saturday night invaded Baka village in Igabi local government area and killed two persons.

Kaduna Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan confirmed the development in separate statements on Sunday.

The Commissioner also confirmed some bandits also kidnapped nine persons in Sabon Birni area.

According to him: “Security agencies have reported that armed bandits razed the building of the Holy Family Catholic Church, and two homes, in Kikwari village, Kajuru local government area.

“According to the report received, the locals fled the area on receiving information that some bandits were sighted outside the village.

Read Also; Bandits kill 3 as youths lynch alleged collaborator in Kaduna“On getting to the location, the armed bandits set ablaze the place of worship and the two houses,” he said.

On the Igabi killing, Arwuan said the bandits attacked the family residence of the late Dan’azumi Musa who was killed alongside his son, by bandits a week earlier.

According to him: “In the latest attack, a brother to the deceased, one Sale Musa and his son Amiru Sale Musa, were shot dead. The bandits, operating in groups, also abducted a number of persons, mostly women and children.

“Troops based in the Sabon Birni general area were mobilised to the location. They engaged the bandits and rescued some captives from one of the bandit groups, while another group had earlier escaped with another set of hostages.

“The rescued are listed as: Aisha Isah, Halima Isah, Hannatu Umar, Hassana Umar, Hadiza Isah, Fadilah Bashir, Zaharau Isah, Maryam Bashir, Mikah Zakari, Yunusa Isah, Karima Umar, Kadija Umar, Rukaiyah Isah and Sumaiya Bashiru.

“The following were kidnapped: Saudatu Garba, Laraba Idris, Auta Mansur, Ibrahim Danlami , Hauwa Sale , Fatima Idris, Safara Sale, Shafaatu Idris (infant) and Fiddausi Mansur (infant).

“He conveyed his grief over the repeat attack and condoled the family of the slain father and son, while offering prayers for the repose of their souls.

“The Governor also commended the troops for their quick response and thanked them for the safe rescue of 13 victims,” Aruwan stated.