A group of gunmen launched an attack on the Sankwab community located in the Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Southern Kaduna, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 individuals. On the night of the attack, the assailants destroyed several homes and caused damage to properties estimated to be worth millions of naira. The Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the incident, but the exact number of casualties was not disclosed.
According to a source, the attackers are believed to be Fulani militia who opened fire indiscriminately, killing at least twenty villagers and causing panic, which resulted in residents fleeing for their lives. However, the military's timely intervention helped to contain the situation.
The Commissioner responded to the latest killings in Southern Kaduna, revealing that the military had informed the state government of the significant loss of lives. In a statement released to newsmen on Sunday titled “Several lives lost in Runji village of Zangon Kataf LGA… El-Rufai condemns killings,” he reported that the attack resulted in numerous fatalities and many residents sustaining injuries. Additionally, according to the preliminary report submitted to the state government, an unspecified number of houses were burned.
In the Commissioner's statement on the attack in Southern Kaduna, 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 expressed his condolences to the families who 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.”