The Kaduna State Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, has confirmed that terrorists killed 32 in Dogon Noma and Ungwan Sarkias villages, as well as Ungwan Maikori in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state on Sunday.
The Commissioner, however, debunked the rumour that the terrorists were aided by an helicopter.
He clarified that the helicopter in question was security helicopter which were sent to repel the bandits.
Aruwan noted that at Dogon Noma alone 29 villagers were killed by the terror group while three Ungwan Sarki and Ungwan Maikori villges.
He listed those killed to include Ahmadu Musa, Audu Dandaura, Akilu Laya, David Wasika, Hajatu Buhari, Nashon Buhari, Iliya Yaki Javan Mairabo, Jackson Adamu, Nasco Victor, Dutse Gwamna, Joshua Amadi, Gona Isah, Douglas Yakubu, Phineas Joel, Tanimu Umaru, Abody Iliya, Wanzami Halidu, Dogo Aweh
and Sunday Shittu.
Others are Rejoice Audu, Jedidiah Ayawa, Jinkai Pius, Rebecca Ayafa,
Ishaya John, Audu Danladi, Jibo Sule, Yakubu Garba, Williams Danba, Maikasa Kufana, Augustine Bahago and Mamiya Maikori.
The Commissioner said, “The Kaduna State Government received initial reports from security agencies, that bandits attacked the villages of Dogon Noma, Ungwan Sarki and Ungwan Maikori in Kajuru local government area on Sunday.
“According to the reports, the bandits stormed the area in large numbers on motorcycles, and proceeded to raze several houses, as they attacked and killed locals.
“Since the attack on Sunday, security agencies and traditional leaders in the locations have been updating the government on the development.
“As of the time of this report, 32 persons have been confirmed dead following the attack.”
Aruwan added, “While the Government mourned the gruesome killing and burning of houses in the attacked locations, a report was published suggesting that the victims of the attack were killed by terrorists using a helicopter.
“The Kaduna State Government wishes to make a clarification based on reports received since Sunday. The bandits attacked the first two locations and killed 31 citizens. They then headed into Ungwan Maikori, where they killed one person and burnt some houses.
“An Air Force helicopter (under Operation Whirl Punch) dispatched to the area, had earlier scanned the first two locations and sighted burnt houses and properties on fire.
“The helicopter intercepted the bandits at the last location (Ungwan Maikori) and engaged them as they retreated, before the arrival of ground troops to the general area.
“It was the arrival of the air asset which deterred the bandits from further attacks on the citizens in the village, after the bandits had already killed one local and burnt several houses.
“The story that a helicopter provided air support to the bandits against the locals, is therefore an untrue account.
“The Government of Kaduna State having gone through all the facts, finds it regrettable that a section of media would circulate an unverified report, insensitive to its implications on national security, law and order.
“Eyewitnesses to the peddled report of a helicopter aiding bandits in the killing of innocent citizens are invited to present their accounts to the Government backed by incontrovertible facts.”
The Commissioner further noted that the military, police and other agencies working in the general area deserved commendation and motivation, rather than demoralising allegations.
He also disclosed that in the last 72 hours, security forces have conducted vigorous operations in the same general area, and are on the trail of a wounded notable terrorist.
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