Several reports claiming that the Kajuru attack in Kaduna was carried out by terrorists who utilized a helicopter to shoot at their victims have been dismissed by the Kaduna State Government as false.
While the government lamented the terrible killings and house fires in the affected areas, Samuel Aruwan, the Commissioner for Internal Security, said an Air Force chopper was dispatched to the region (under Operation Whirl Punch).
According to him, the soldiers scanned the first two attack areas, Dogon Noma and Ungwan Sarki, and it was in these villages that the operatives discovered burned houses and properties.
The attackers tried to wreak havoc on Ungwan Maikori but were halted by a NAF chopper.
Also read Kaduna Attack: Bandits Kill 32, Destroy Houses
After the gunmen killed one local and set fire to many homes, the security officers put up a valiant fight that discouraged the bandits from attacking the village’s residents again.
Mr Aruwan stated, “The claim that a helicopter offered air support to the bandits against the locals is clearly incorrect.”
He stated that after reviewing all the facts, the Kaduna State administration finds it deplorable that a segment of the media would spread an unconfirmed claim, oblivious to the consequences on national security, peace and order.
Eyewitnesses to the widely circulated claim of a helicopter assisting bandits in the murder of innocent residents were encouraged to offer their tales to the authorities, which were backed up by undeniable facts.
He also noted that rather than demoralizing allegations, the military, police, and other organizations working in the general region need appreciation and incentive.
“In the last 72 hours, security services have carried out intensive operations in the same general area, and they are on the lookout for a wounded famous terrorist.”
“Similarly, following a fierce confrontation with bandits, numerous abducted victims, including an expatriate taken at a mining site, were rescued,” the Home Affairs Commissioner revealed.
Aruwan said since the attack on Sunday, security agencies and traditional leaders in the locations have been updating the government on the development.
He further stated that as of today, 32 persons have been confirmed dead following the attack.
The deceased are listed as follows:
DOGON NOMA
– Ahmadu Musa
– Audu Dandaura
– Akilu Laya
– David Wasika– Hajatu Buhari
– Nashon Buhari
– Iliya Yaki
– Javan Mairabo– Jackson Adamu
– Nasco Victor
– Dutse Gwamna
– Joshua Amadi– Gona Isah
– Douglas Yakubu
– Phineas Joel
– Tanimu Umaru– Abody Iliya
– Wanzami Halidu
– Dogo Aweh
– Sunday Shittu– Rejoice Audu
– Jedidiah Ayawa
– Jinkai Pius
– Rebecca Ayafa– Ishaya John
– Audu Danladi
– Jibo Sule
– Yakubu Garba
– Williams DanbabaUNGWAN SARKI
– Maikasa Kufana
– Augustine BahagoUNGWAN MAIKORI
– Mamiya Maikori
Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i, on receiving reports of the attack, expressed deep sadness and prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls.
The governor also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
