The Kaduna state government has alleged that some locals in some communities are in cahoots with armed bandits carrying out attacks in villages.

Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs in Kaduna, in a statement on Saturday, narrated how bandits killed three villagers with the support of local informants.

The marauding gunmen carried out the deadly attacks across villages in Kajuru Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The statement noted that the brigands conducted the attacks with the aid of some “youths” who are inhabitants of the affected communities.

Mr. Aruwan disclosed that a kinsman was lynched by irate youths in the aftermath of the attack for his alleged involvement in the attack.  

“Security agencies are investigating alleged collaboration with bandits by some locals, during recent disturbing attacks in Kajuru Local Government Area,” the commissioner said.

The statement revealed that the attacks began in Ungwan Sha’was village when gun wielding men reportedly killed Ubangida Dogo in his home. 

“According to the report, his son, Jude Ubangida was injured by the bandits and is receiving treatment in hospital,” Mr. Aruwan said.

However, in another separate attack, the assailants stormed Ungwan Galadima in the same neighbourhood and fatally shot Bulus Gwamna. 

“In Ungwan Gamu along the same trail, one Daniel Danlami was similarly killed by the marauding bandits,” Mr. Aruwan stated.

“Preliminary investigations thereafter suggested that the bandits conducted these attacks with the aid of some local youths.”

“As security agencies probed this further, one such suspect known simply as “Doctor”, from Kujeni village, was swiftly attacked and killed by youths of Maro in revenge.

“Just before his death, he confessed his involvement in the attack, and named a certain Fidelis Ali, also from Maro, as another accomplice of the bandits. Ali has since been arrested and taken into custody by the police.” the commissioner said.

The onslaught of banditry has ravaged most communities in Kaduna leading to the deaths of thousands of civilians.

The activities of the armed thieves has deprived most residents in affected communities of their means of livelihood as thousands are internally displaced.