The death toll from Saturday’s bandits’ attack at Runji Village in the Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State has now hit 33.
Chairman of the council, Francis Sani, made this known on Sunday.
He disclosed that over 40 houses were burnt by the attackers while seven persons sustained injuries and are presently receiving treatment at the hospital.
This came as the 33 victims of the attack were given a mass burial amidst sorry and tears by relatives and members of the community, who gathered to witness the funeral service.
The residents called on the security agencies and the government to urgently stop the lingering insecurity in the southern part of Kaduna before they are completely wiped out.
It was gathered that the gunmen were said to have invaded the community around 10p.m., on Saturday and opened fire on the villagers, most of whom were asleep.
Some of the victims were said to have been burnt alive as the bandits set houses ablaze.
President of Atyap Community Development Association, ACDA, Samuel Ache, confirmed the incident.
It was gathered that the vigilantes in the community attempted to engage the attackers, but they were subdued.
The military task force was said to have, subsequently, intervened and repelled the bandits.
Zangon Kataf LGA, situated in southern Kaduna, has come under relentless bandit attacks in recent months.
A few days ago, eight persons were killed when gunmen attacked Atak’Njei community in the LGA.
The Zangon Kataf council had in March imposed a 24-hour curfew in the council after 17 people were killed.