The Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, has confirmed that with the killing of four persons in Kacecere and Ungwan Taila villages of Zangon-Kataf Local Area (LGA) of the State, the death toll in recent attacks in the State has risen from 36 to 40.
The Commissioner said in statement on Sunday that two bodies were discovered in Kacecere village, while the other two were discovered in Ungwan Tilla.
According to Mr Aruwan, “the military has reported to the Kaduna State Government the discovery of two more bodies in Kacecere village. This discovery was reported by Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), as it continued with search-and-rescue operation in the area, following the September 27, 2021 attack. The dead bodies were identified as Idris Mairiga and Yunusa Dangana, both residents of the village.
“Kacecere village was attacked in reprisal to earlier attacks in Jankasa village in Zangon Kataf, and Madamai in Kaura, as reported to the government by the security agencies. The latest discovery of two bodies brings the death toll from the Kacecere attack to 12, while that of Madamai stands at 38. Search-and-rescue efforts are ongoing in both locations.”
The Commissioner had in another statement said troops of OPSH (Operation Safe Haven) had reported an attack by unidentified persons at Ungwan Taila village, in which two residents were killed.
According to a report to the Kaduna government, the troops arrived at the location to find that the assailants had killed two residents, Helen Lucky and Hananiah Elijah
“Receiving the report, Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed deep regret at the further loss of life from such attacks in the area. He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to their families.
“In the meantime, the troops will continue search-and-rescue operations in the area. Citizens will be briefed on further updates,” he added.