Panic As Bandits Go Wild, Kill Nine, Abduct Ex-CBN Director, 34 Others

Reports indicate that bandits have killed at least nine individuals in Kwasam community in Kauru Local Government Area and Gwada community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The bandits also reportedly abducted 35 others, including a retired Director of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), his brother and the brother’s wife.

They were said to have also injured nine people during the attack in the two LGAs.

The retired CBN Director was identified as Zakariya Markus

The breakdown showed that six persons were killed, five abducted and two injured in Kauru LGA while three persons were killed, seven injured, and 30 others kidnapped in Igabi LGA of the State.

According to sources, the incident occurred penultimate Friday around 10pm when bandits invaded the community.

Sources said the bandits picked two people who, at gun point, led them to the residence of the retired CBN staff and abducted him.

“Banidits moved to his family house, abducted his brother and the brother’s wife. Residents rushed out in an attempt to rescue victims but the bandits fired at them killing six, injuring two.

“Those killed, include Danmasani Gwaska, Mrs. Giwa John, Kapishi Barmu, Ganya Ubangida, Shigama Salisu and Gani Magawata.

“Those kidnapped include Mr. Zakariya Markus (retired CBN director), Mr. Monday Markus (Younger brother to the retired CBN staff), Mrs. Monday Markus (wife of Monday), Mr. Alhamdu Makeri’s son and Baban Fati of Kauru.”

Kaduna Governor Uba Sani has appealed for aggressive military operations against bandits across the State following the attacks.

The Governor sent his condolences to the families that lost their loved ones in Igabi and Kauru LGAs.

He spoke through the Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, at Gwada and Kerawa villages in Igabi LGA, during an on-the-spot assessment of the security situation in the area, in the company of the Garrison Commander, One Division Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Muhammad Kana, other military commanders and security forces working.

He said: “We are here on behalf of Governor Uba Sani to first of all condole with you over the lives lost in Kerawa and Sabon Birni Wards in Igabi LGA and also Kwassam, Kurera and Kan Makama communities in Kauru LGA.

“May Almighty God grant the deceased eternal rest, and grant a speedy recovery to the injured.

“I want to assure you that we are also here for an assessment of the security situation and as you can see, troops are presently carrying out operations in these locations, to which you have attested. The Governor of Kaduna State is not relenting in his efforts, and he is also working towards sustained aggressive military operations in the frontline locations and emerging fronts like Kauru LGA.”