Bandits on Sunday, in separate attacks on three Local Government Areas of Kaduna State killed four people, including the son of a professor, two vigilante members and one other.
It was reported that they attacked Igabi, Zaria, and Giwa Local Government Areas.
Information gathered revealed that the bandits first attacked Anaba village and Birnin Yero town, all in Igabi LGA where one person was killed.
The development was confirmed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs in the state, Samuel Aruwan.
The Commissioner identified one of the victims as Lawali Abdulhameed, who was shot in an attempt to escape.
The commissioner disclosed that the bandits stormed Wusasa in Zaria LGA where they kidnapped the Wazirin Wusasa (title holder), Prof. Aliyu Mohammed, in his residence while his son, Abdulaziz Aliyu, was killed during the attack.
Aruwan further stated that the Professor’s nephew, Abba Kabiru, who was in the residence when the incident happened was shot and injured.
According to the commissioner, bandits on motorcycles in large numbers stormed Iyatawa village of Giwa LGA but were repelled by some vigilantes, forcing them to flee.
However, Aruwan noted that two among the vigilantes who battled the bandits were killed.
“Two of the local vigilantes, Malam Auwalu and Alassan Shehu, were sadly killed during the encounter as ground and air patrols were quickly mobilized to the location for a comprehensive engagement,” he said.
“Governor Nasir El-Rufai on receiving the reports, sent condolences to the families of the slain residents and vigilantes, praying for the repose of their souls. He also prayed for speedy recovery for the injured.”
“The Governor also thanked the military for the swift response in deploying forces to the affected community in Giwa local government area.”
“Groups of local vigilantes confronted the bandits, eventually forced them to disperse,” he added.