Gunmen Attack Kills 9, Abduct 35 Including Ex-CBN Director in Kaduna

In separate attacks in Kaduna State, nine people lost their lives while 35 others, including a retired Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) director, his brother, and sister-in-law, were kidnapped by unknown gunmen.

The incident in Kauru Local Government Area occurred in Kwasam community late Friday night, around 10 PM. Gunmen stormed the area, firing shots indiscriminately. They abducted two individuals, who were forced to lead them to the retired CBN director’s home. There, the gunmen took the former director, his brother, and the brother’s wife. When residents attempted to intervene, the gunmen opened fire, killing six people instantly and injuring two others. Among the deceased were Danmasanin Gwaska, Mrs. Giwa John, Kapishi Barmu, Ganya Ubangida, Shigama Salisu, and Gani Magawata. Those abducted included Mr. Zakariya Markus (the retired CBN director), Mr. Monday Markus, Mrs. Monday Markus, Mr. Alhamdu Makeri’s son, and Baban Fati of Kauru.

In the Igabi Local Government Area, in Sabon Birni Ward, three individuals were killed, and 30 were abducted during a separate attack.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has ordered aggressive military operations against bandits across the state following these recent attacks.

Speaking through the Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, at Gwada and Kerawa villages in Igabi LGA, the governor said

“We are here on behalf of Governor Uba Sani to first of all condole with you over the lives lost in 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.”