It was learnt that a retired director of the Central Bank of Nigeria was part of people kidnapped in the incident that happened on Friday around 10pm.
Suspected terrorists have killed at least six people and abducted over 50 others in Kwasam community, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, in fresh attacks.
It was learnt that a retired director of the Central Bank of Nigeria was part of people kidnapped in the incident that happened on Friday around 10pm.
A source noted that the bandits in large numbers invaded the community, shot indiscriminately and picked two people at gunpoint who led them to the retired CBN director’s residence where they abducted him.
“The bandits moved to the family house where they also abducted the brother as well as the brother’s wife,” the source told PUNCH.
The bandits were said to have opened fire on residents who rushed out in an attempt to rescue the victims, killing six of them on the spot while six sustained gunshot wounds.
Those killed, according to the source, include Danmasani Gwaska, Mrs. Giwa John, Kapishi Barmu, Ganya Ubangida, Shigama Salisu and Gani Magawata.
While those kidnapped at Sabon Layi Kan Makama include Zakariya Markus (retired CBN director), Monday Markus (younger brother to the retired-CBN director), and his wife, Alhamdu Makeri’s son and Baban Fati of Kauru, among others.
Josiah Abraks, spokesman for SOKAPU, who also confirmed the incident in a statement described the attack as “despicable and condemnable”.
He said, “Information reaching SOKAPU states that terror attacks have taken place yesterday (16/02/24) at Kwassam and Sabon Layin kan Makama both in Kauru Local Government Area.
“At Kwassam about five people were said to have been killed and scores of others kidnapped including a former Assistant Director of the CBN and his younger brother.
“While at Sabon Layin kan Makama about 50 people were said to have been kidnapped. These atrocities continually being visited on citizens of the state are despicable and highly condemnable and we hereby unequivocally condemn the acts and their perpetrators.
“We call on the state government and all relevant authorities not to relent in their good works but to step up and remain steadfast in ensuring the safety and peace of all law-abiding citizens of the state.”
However, an official statement by the state government through the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, also confirmed the attack.
Meanwhile, Governor Uba Sani has condemned the attack and condoled with victims while appealing for aggressive military operations against bandits across the state, following attacks in Igabi and Kauru LGAs.
The governor spoke through Aruwan at Gwada and Kerawa villages in Igabi LGA, during an on-the-spot assessment of the security situation in the area.
He also condoled with the victims’ families, while appealing for aggressive military operations against bandits across the state.
“We are here on behalf of Governor Uba Sani to first contact 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 to assess the security situation. 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,” Sani, who was represented by Aruwan, said.