16th April, 2023
Yet-to-be-identified gunmen attacked the Sankwab community of the Atyap Chiefdom in Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, Kaduna, killing at least twenty villagers on Saturday night.
Reports have it that the invaders, believed to be Fulani militia, stormed the community around 10 p.m., shooting indiscriminately at anything in sight. They set fire to several houses and properties.
Samuel Aruwan, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, confirmed the attack but did not provide casualty figures.
He noted that the military promptly repelled the attacks and saved the situation.
The Commissioner stated that the military informed the state government that several lives had been lost.
Governor Nasir El-Rufai was quoted by the Commissioner as condemning the renewed attack and expressing condolences to the victims’ families.
He said, “The military has informed the Kaduna State Government of an attack in Runji village, Zangon Kataf LGA, in which several lives were lost on Saturday night.
“The preliminary report further informed the government that the attack also left some residents injured and an unspecified number of houses burnt down in the community.
“According to the report, troops had a fierce encounter with the attackers and are still in the general area.
“While waiting for a detailed report, Governor Nasir El-Rufai who received the preliminary report in the early hours of Sunday has condemned the killings as unacceptable and unjustifiable.
“The Governor condoled the families that lost their loved ones and prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
“The Kaduna State Government will update the public on the incident as soon as detailed reports are received from the security agencies.”