9 Killed in Kaduna Terrorist Attack

No fewer than nine persons, including 4 local vigilante members, were on Wednesday by murdered by terrorists in Sabon Layi Community of Birnin Gwari council area, Kaduna state.

The killing brought to 125 the number of persons killed thus far by terrorists in the state in the last four months, with 60 kidnapped over the same period. 

Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, who disclosed this in a statement, explained that the Ministry received a distress call at about 9:44am of alleged armed bandits attacking the community. 

According to Aruwan, the bandits were observed shooting sporadically, rustling cattle, looting generally and committing other sundry crimes.

The bandits, he added, were later dislocated by air component of Operation Whirl Punch. 

“It was confirmed that the bandits were shooting, rustling cattle, looting property and committing other heinous crimes, a situation which had residents scampering for safety," he said. 

“Immediately, the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch was contacted for action, and the unit responded promptly to the location.

“On arrival at Sabon Layi, a thorough scan revealed normal human activities at the reported location. However, about four kilometres north of Sabon Layi village, the bandits were sighted fleeing for cover from the aircraft. They were engaged and neutralised in several passes.

“No further movement was observed after the strike. The aircraft sustained its presence overhead before withdrawing.

“While the government awaits a formal report on the initial attack in Sabon Layi village, Governor Nasir el-Rufai has praised the Air Component for the prompt action, and conveyed his gratitude for neutralising the fleeing bandits,” Aruwan's statement noted.