By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
No fewer than 30 people have been killed following a midnight attack by suspected armed bandits on Naridon village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, deepening concerns over the worsening security situation in Nigeria’s northwest.
The attackers reportedly stormed the community late Monday night, firing indiscriminately at residents before setting several houses ablaze. The assault left scores of people dead, including women and children, while several others sustained injuries.
Residents said the gunmen operated for hours without resistance, forcing many villagers to flee into nearby bushes to escape the onslaught. Survivors described the attack as one of the deadliest recorded in the area in recent months.
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Secretary to the village head, Dogon Rana, disclosed that at least eight children were among those killed, while many families have been thrown into mourning following the tragedy.
Another resident, Ishaya Dawa, said many of the victims were buried in the ruins of their homes, while others were rushed to hospitals after sustaining varying degrees of injuries. He added that security personnel arrived after the attackers had fled the community.
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying investigations had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack. Police spokesman Mansur Hassan assured residents that further information would be made available as the investigation progresses.
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Although no group has claimed responsibility, the attack bears the hallmarks of criminal gangs commonly referred to as bandits, who have repeatedly targeted communities across Kaduna and other states in northwestern Nigeria through killings, kidnappings and destruction of property.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the latest massacre has renewed calls on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to curb persistent insecurity and restore confidence among residents of affected communities.
