Bandit Attacks Claim 17 Lives, 5 Abducted in Kaduna and Sokoto Villages

Suspected bandits have attacked Maraban Agyaro where they abducted the village heads of Kakangi and Kisaya villages, and killed eight villagers in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The attackers invaded the area around 8am on Thursday, during which they also abducted four farmers who were on their respective farms.

A local source in the area also reported that six women were abducted in the village.

It was gathered that the two village heads were on their way from Kakangi to Birnin-Gwari when they were abducted.

It was gathered that the eight villagers were killed as they tried to rescue the captives.

The Member Representing Kakangi Ward at the State House of Assembly, Yahaya Musa Dan Salio, who confirmed the incident, said all eight people killed were from Kakangi.

“Yes, I just received a call that two village heads in my constituency were abducted and eight other people killed. All those killed are residents of Kakangi,” he said.

When contacted, the State Police Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansur Hassan, said he would get details from the area before commenting.

In a related development, bandits operating in Sokoto State have ambushed members of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) killing nine of them with several others sustaining varying degrees of injuries, according to sources briefed by Daily Trust.

The incident occurred last Sunday in Isa Local Government Area, known to be a stronghold of bandits and a dangerous zone for security operatives.

According to a reliable source familiar with the situation, three CJTF members were abducted by the bandits during the ambush.

“Our members encountered the ambush while responding to a distress call to assist security forces,” the source recounted. “Tragically, we lost nine brave comrades in the attack, with many others wounded. Additionally, three of our members were abducted.

Since the beginning of the year, following a call from the state government to reinforce security efforts against banditry in the northwest, CJTF members have been actively engaged in supporting the troops.

“This latest loss adds to the toll of 19 gallant members who have fallen victim to bandit attacks in Sokoto State alone,” the source lamented.

This marks the second ambush targeting CJTF members in Sokoto State in a span of two months.