The Kaduna State government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on the Jema’a and Kaura local government areas of the state, after an orgy of violence perpetrated by some unidentified bandits claimed over 60 lives.
Some bandits had attacked some communities in southern Kaduna and Zamfara in the late hours of last Sunday.
Findings gathered that the armed bandits stormed the communities in about six hilux vehicles and motorcycles.
About twenty-five persons, including two military personnel, were reportedly killed and no fewer than 70 houses were razed by terrorists who attacked on Agban Kagoro in the Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
While in Zamfara State, bandits reportedly killed 37 persons and kidnapped 62 others in Juyi and Doruwa villages in the Bungudu Local Government Area. Another 20 others were killed in Ganar-Kiyawa village in the Bukkuyum Local Government Area on Saturday.
The District Head, Kukum community in the Kagoro Chiefdom, Mr Jashua Kagoya, who spoke with the members of the press said he narrowly escaped the attack.
According to him, the terrorists invaded the community in a military van with sophisticated weapons and took vantage positions.
The villagers had retired home after their daily activities when they suddenly heard gunshots around 8pm and they had to flee the community.
“As you can see, my personal house is completely razed down, but I thank God that my family members and I were able to escape the attack.
“It is very sad that such carnage has been meted out on the peace loving people of Kagoro. We condemn this act in totality and we’re calling on the government to rise to its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property,” Kagoya was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile the Kaunda State government in a statement issued by Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, announced the imposition of a curfew on the affected local governments.
The government claim the measure was to allow security agencies to save lives and property, and restore law and order in the areas.
The statement reads, “Following advice from security agencies, the Kaduna State Government has declared a 24-hour curfew in Jema’a and Kaura local government areas with immediate effect. This is to assist the security agencies to stabilise the situation in the areas, save lives and property, and enable the restoration of law and order.
“A statement from the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs said the security agencies had full authorisation to enforce the curfew. The government appeals to all residents of the Jema’a and Kaura local government areas to cooperate with the security agencies in the urgent task of restoring peace and upholding law and order.
“The government condemns the violence and all acts of lawlessness that have occurred in the area.”
