No fewer than eight residents were killed when armed bandits attacked Ungwan Gaida community, near Kurmin Kaso, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Wednesday.
The Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, disclosed this in a statement.
He identified the victims as Samaila Gajere, Bawa Gajere, Bitrus Baba, Umaru Baba, Solomon Samaila, Sambo Kasuwa, Samuila Kasuwa, and Gideon Bitrus, all men.
He added that the bandits also burnt an Assemblies of God Church branch as well as several residential buildings in the community.
The commissioner said Governor Nasir El-Rufai condemned the attack on the place of worship and directed the State Emergency Management Agency to carry out an urgent assessment of the damage done by the invaders.
He said El-Rufai noted the report of the attack on Ungwan Gaida with sadness, and condoled the families of the slain citizens, as he offered prayers for the repose of their souls.
Aruwan further said that Nigerian Navy troops stationed in the Kujama general area neutralised three bandits and arrested two accomplices after repelling an attack on Wakwodna community, near Kasso village, Chikun LGA.
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“According to operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government, the troops stationed at the Kujama checkpoint responded to reports of an attack on Wakwodna village and swiftly deployed for intervention.
“The bandits fled into the surrounding bushes on sighting the troops and abandoned some rustled cattle, which were returned to their rightful owners.
“The troops engaged the bandits just before Kaso village, and in the gunfight, three bandits were neutralised.
“Two locals, who were injured in the exchange were evacuated for medical attention.
“During the operation, the troops arrested a suspected bandits informant, Kapido Halilu, and a logistics supplier, Umar Maipashi. Food and medical supplies meant for the bandits were confiscated.
“The suspects were taken into custody for further investigation,” the statement further read.