The mass funeral of 14 people killed by bandits at Kutemeshi, Kuyello District Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State has been held amidst tears by the rural farming community.
The rites were concluded around 11.46 am on Sunday, and was well attended by the community members, including adjourning communities of Sabuwa Katsina state.
How it happened
The state commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday.
“On a sad note, the Kaduna State Government has received reports from security agencies of the killing of 19 citizens in Birnin Gwari and Kajuru local government areas of Kaduna Central Senatorial District,” Mr Aruwan said.
“The citizens were killed by armed bandits at Kutemeshi village in Birnin Gwari and Kujeni village in Kajuru, where several others were left with bullet wounds.
“Both attacks occurred on Saturday.
“In Kutemeshi village of Birnin Gwari LGA, the following citizens were killed: Malan Sani Barume, Yahaya Bello, Amadu Dan Korau, Samaila Niga, Jamilu Haruna, Lawal Majiya, Dan Malam Rabo, Dauda Kafinta, Hassan Mai Makani, Bashir Haruna, Lawal Ali, Mu’azu Haruna, Mai Unguwa Sa’adu and Harisu Bako.”
Mr Aruwan said some shops were also looted with valuable items carted away.
He added that some of the injured have been moved to a neighboring state closer to Kutemeshi for urgent medical attention, while others are in transit to an orthopaedic hospital in Kaduna.
“So far, only the 14 corpses have been recovered from Kutemeshi. The Kaduna State Government will provide updates on any emerging developments.
In Kujeni village of Kajuru LGA, the attackers burnt several houses, storehouses with foodstuff, warehouses loaded with building materials and a church. The following citizens were killed: Bulus Jatau, Hanatu Emmanuel, Bitrus Tuna, Yohanna Mika and Monday Ayuba.
He said those injured include Bulus Sambayi and Godwin Yakubu.
“Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who has been monitoring the security situation at the locations since Saturday morning, expressed sadness over the attacks.
“The Governor who condoled families that lost their loved ones, offered prayers for the repose of their souls and a speedy recovery for the injured, the commissioner said.
The commissioner further directed the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency to urgently provide relief materials to the affected communities.
The government and security agencies are following up on a reported attack on Sunday morning around Kikwari village of Kajuru LGA, and will also provide an update as soon as feedback is received.
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