In the early hours of Sunday, armed bandits killed no fewer than seven people in attacks on villages in Zangon Kataf, Igabi, and Chikun local government Areas of Kaduna.

Eighteen people were reportedly kidnapped in the attacks, even though Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs Samuel Aruwan only confirmed that seven persons were killed.

In two separate statements released after the incidents, Mr Aruwan said five were killed in the attack on Sabon Garin Ungwar Dalha, a village on the outskirts of the Maraban Jos area, and Kerawa in Igabi LGA.

Additionally, during the attack in Kerawa, one person was injured after the bandits invaded the village.

“According to the report, bandits attacked the village, shooting sporadically, and killed four residents, identified as Lado Shuaibu, Usman Haruna, Ayuba Muntari, Jafar Abdullahi,” explained Mr Aruwan. “One Mallam Mamuda was left injured, as the bandits carted away some motorcycles and supplies from the community.”

The commissioner added that Angwar Zallah in Udawa, Chikun LGA, was attacked with a resident Moses Jaja shot dead.

Meanwhile, several reports quoted Muhammed Umaru, a community leader in Udawa, saying 18 persons were kidnapped after bandits attacked the area around 12:30 a.m.

In Zangon Kataf, bandits reportedly attacked commuters along the Rimi-Afana road.

“One Joshua Kawu sustained gunshot wounds to the chest, and was rushed to hospital, where he was unfortunately confirmed dead,” added the government statement.

Both Mr Aruwan and the police spokesperson in Kaduna, Mohammed Jalige, ignored Peoples Gazette’s requests seeking to confirm the kidnap.

The attack came barely two weeks after bandits attacked Giwa LGA, with the death toll rising to 40.