Gunmen kill 4 forest guards, student in Kaduna attack

By Amen Gajira

The Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS) has revealed that four operatives of the organization and a student were killed in an attack by gunmen on hunters’ office in Gidan Waya community in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna.

The Command’s Intelligence Officer Kaduna Mr Gaji Ampot said the deceased were personnel of Gidan Waya Command.

He said three others were injured in the attack that took place on Wednesday night.

Ampot said those killed include four operatives of NFSS and a student who was in the office to resolve an issue.

According to him, the gunmen stormed the office from two opposite directions at about 8 p.m. and opened fire on the personnel while they were carrying out official duties.

“One of the gunmen arrived on a motorcycle from one direction, while others approached on foot from the opposite side and began shooting.

“All but one of the victims were our men. The fifth person killed was a student who was in our office to resolve an issue,” he said.

He added that the injured victims had been taken to a hospital for treatment.

A local resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, suggested that the NFSS personnel may have been targeted due to their efforts in curbing banditry in the area.

At the scene, bloodstains were visible as residents gathered in small groups, discussing the incident.

Gidan Waya and environs had been a hotbed of attacks, until a period of relative calm and peace in recent times.

(NAN)