Francis Sani, the chairman of Runji village in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna state attacked by bandits on Saturday has disclosed that those killed have been given mass burial.
Over 30 persons were believed to have been killed in the LGA at the weekend, which has experienced sporadic attacks from bandits in the last few weeks.
Recall that the council had in March imposed a 24-hour curfew after no fewer than 17 persons were killed by the bandits, who had earlier killed eight persons after they attacked Atak’ Njei.
The state government has yet to give details on the number of casualties in the latest attack.
Speaking after the attack, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said the government is still awaiting a report from security agencies in order to be able to give an accurate number of those killed.
Aruwan said: “Several lives were lost and an unspecified number of houses burnt down. 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 yesterday 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.”
