Suspected bandits have attacked Maraban Agyaro where they abducted the village heads of Kakangi and Kisaya villages, and killed eight vigilantes in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The attackers invaded the area around 8 a.m. on Thursday, during which they also abducted four farmers who were on their respective farms.
A resident of the LG identified as Idris Khalid, who confirmed the development said the slain vigilantes were; Bala Kamba, Abdurrahman Musa (Ubale), Kabiru Dan Dugui, Hambali Abu, Aliyu Abu, Nura Jika (Maleka), Mubarak Musa (Dan Wamba) and Ikra Hantsi.
Khalid added that the two victims in the Ungwan Matinja community under Gayam Ward were identified as Christopher Abubakar and Isah Gambo.
He said the vigilantes were attacked while trailing the kidnapped victims who were abducted on their way to a burial between Kakangi and Sabon Layi.
“The vigilantes engaged the terrorists, killing scores of them but could not rescue the two traditional rulers and others.
“Normally, anytime there is a kidnap incident, the vigilantes always trail the terrorists to rescue the victims.
“It’s unfortunate that in the process, eight gallant officers of the vigilantes who have been sacrificing in ensuring the safety of our people were lost,” the resident said.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, ASP Mansir Hassan, said, “We are investigating the matter to unravel the true story because the area where the incident happened had a network problem.”
In another development, Bandits operating in Sokoto State ambushed members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), resulting in the death of nine members and several others sustaining injuries.
The incident took place last Sunday in Isa Local Government Area, a known stronghold of bandits and a perilous zone for security operatives.
According to a reliable source familiar with the situation, three CJTF members were abducted by the bandits during the ambush.
“Our members encountered the ambush while responding to a distress call to assist security forces,” the source recounted. “Tragically, we lost nine brave comrades in the attack, with many others wounded. Additionally, three of our members were abducted.
Since the beginning of the year, following a call from the state government to reinforce security efforts against banditry in the northwest, CJTF members have been actively engaged in supporting the troops.
“This latest loss adds to the toll of 19 gallant members who have fallen victim to bandit attacks in Sokoto State alone,” the source lamented.
This marks the second ambush targeting CJTF members in Sokoto State in two months.
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