The Kaduna State Government reported on Tuesday that 34 persons were killed when unidentified assailants assaulted Kagoro Chiefdom in Kaura Local Government Area on Sunday.
Mr Samuel Aruwan, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, confirmed the occurrence in a statement made in Kaduna.
Aruwan said: “Security agencies have reported to the Kaduna State Government that after search operations and detailed checks, 34 people have been confirmed dead following Sunday’s attack in Kaura Local Government Area.
According to the report, four locations were attacked by unidentified assailants, Tsonje, Agban, Katanga and Kadarko, all within Kagoro Chiefdom of Kaura LGA.
“Two military personnel were among the 34 killed, with local residents making up 32 casualties. Seven people were injured and are receiving treatment. One female from Adan community, is currently missing.
He further disclosed that more than 200 houses and 32 shops were burnt in the attack.
“Three vehicles and 17 motorcycles were vandalised. Condemning the attack in the strongest terms, Gov. Nasir El-Rufa’i expressed his grief and sent condolences to the families of the locals killed.
He prayed for the repose of their souls as he wished the injured a quick recovery.
The governor also condoled with the military high command and the families of the military personnel who were killed in the line of duty.
The governor offered prayers for the repose of their souls.
The commissioner said the governor appealed to citizens to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts were sustained to stabilize the area.
“The Kaduna State Government enjoins all residents to carefully observe the 24-hour curfew in force in the area,” he said
The curfew was declared on the advise of security agencies to prevent the escalation of violence.
Aruwan said that security reports revealed that criminals took advantage of the chaos to wreak havoc.
“A bus was attacked by a mob in Agban and the conductor was killed. Similarly, some places of worship were torched as tension rose in Kafanchan.
He said the curfew was essential to urgently stem the tide of violence.
He added that government was working ceaselessly with security forces to restore normalcy to the area.
“Deep consultations with stakeholders are also ongoing,” Aruwan said.