TheNewsGuru

Tag: Armed Bandits

  • Insecurity: Again, Kaduna boils as bandits kidnap 16

    Insecurity: Again, Kaduna boils as bandits kidnap 16

     

    In less than 24 hours after the kidnap of 45 residents in Aku Community, bandits have again abducted 16 people in another attack on Angwan Pa community in the same Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    It was gathered that the incident occurred on Monday at about 7:30 pm.

    A source said the bandits invaded the community at about 7:30 pm and surrounded the entire village.

    According to him, 53 people were abducted but 37 of them escaped and returned home on Tuesday morning, leaving 16 others in captivity.

    He said small villages that are sparsely populated are now the targets of the bandits.

    “We didn’t expect that the bandits will attack Angwan Pa because, after the attack on Anguwan Aku on Sunday, soldiers were deployed to condone the area.

    “The bandits came around 7:30pm yesterday (Monday) and surrounded the village. They usually come in very large numbers and well armed.

    “They will just sneak into a community, before you know it, they have surrounded everywhere.

    “If you run, they will shoot you and kill you. They don’t usually enter big communities that are densely populated.

    “They target small and remote villages that are sparsely populated. They dare not enter big villages because they are also afraid of their lives.

    “(People in) many rural communities in Kajuru are living in perpetual fear,” he said.

    There was no official confirmation either from the state government or the state police command.

    The spokesman for the state police command, Mohammed Jalige, could not be reached as he neither picked his call nor respond to text message sent to his cell phone as of the time of filing the report.

    Source:PUNCH

  • Residents flee Zamfara communities in droves over attacks

    Residents flee Zamfara communities in droves over attacks

    Thousands of residents living in Magazu and Marke communities in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State have left their properties and fled their homes over the incessant raids and attacks of gunmen and bandits terrorizing the communities.

    Findings show that Magazu, one of the biggest wards in Tsafe, is highly deserted with many homes empty.

    According to the sources,the people are tired of the unrelenting attacks by gunmen, as a result people began deserting the town on Thursday evening and by Friday morning almost everyone in the town has fled.

    Bandits attacks in Tsafe Local Government are more frequent than in other parts of Zamfara, which is plagued by worsening insecurity.

    The gunmen, who operate across Nigeria’s north-west region, have killed thousands of people and injured even more. They sack villages, and farmlands, and rustle livestock. They impose levies on communities before they may farm and defaulters are either killed or abducted.

    A resident of one of the communities Abubakar Magazu told journalist that the residents agreed to leave where they live to avoid being caught up in the attacks.

    “Let me be honest with you, these people will never allow us to rest. They’ve stopped us from going to farms and markets and now, they’ll not even allow us to live in peace.

    “On Wednesday, they came to our town immediately after the Iftar (Muslim break of fast) and abducted over 30 residents and looted property. As big as this community is, nobody has more than two goats or any domestic animals in his house because the bandits have stolen them,” he said.

    He said the bandits attacked the town again Thursday night but did not abduct anyone.

    “We’re always in fear,” he said. “After Wednesday’s attack, we decided to leave the town. Some people started leaving yesterday (Thursday). They attacked again those of us who slept in the town yesterday, but I think they were there to scare us because they took nothing or anyone,” he said.

    A youth leader in Tsafe, Samaila Usman, said the residents from Magazu and Marke have been trooping into the local government headquarters as of Friday afternoon.

  • Kaduna-Abuja Train: FG in talks with abductors for passengers’ release

    Kaduna-Abuja Train: FG in talks with abductors for passengers’ release

    Recall that bandits attacked the Kaduna-Abuja bound train, and killed eight persons and abducted scores.

    The bandits had threatened to kill all the victims if the federal government fail to negotiate with them.

    Although, some of the abductees have gained freedom, many are still in the custody of the bandits.

    One of the released abductees is the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Alwan Hassan, after it was alleged that a whooping N100 million ransom was paid.

    Speaking with journalists in Kaduna on Friday, relatives and friends of the abducted passengers said they have been assured by the Federal Government that a channel of discussion with the terrorists has been opened.

    “After the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, we heard from the Federal Government through the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed that the government is in dialogue. That government is already discussing with the abductors of our relatives,” said Dr Jimoh Fatai, who has been designated as chairman of the group pressing for the release of their loved ones.

    “We are happy about it, we note it, we acknowledge it and we appreciate the efforts of the government in that regard. What we are now appealing for is that government should speed up the process,” he said

  • Bandits kidnap 4 , kill two in Kaduna

    Bandits kidnap 4 , kill two in Kaduna

    Persons feared to be kidnappers, have attacked a community Gonin-Gora along Abuja and kidnapped four and killing two in the process,

    One of the residents in the community,Julius Obonyilo said that the bandits stormed Ado street in the middle of the night to carry out their dastardly act.

     

    “As the kidnappers were passing through Ado Street with their victims, who were crying for help, a 57-year-old man identified as Mr. Jonathan Abuche and his son, James Abuche, 30, quickly rushed out to see what was happening.

    “As soon as the bandits who were matching the women alongside some livestock to their den saw them, they opened fire on them and killed them instantly.”

    Meanwhile, as of the time of filing this report, the suspected kidnappers have not made contact with the families of the abducted persons.

  • Bandits attack Kebbi state Deputy Governor Col Yombe Dabai

    Bandits attack Kebbi state Deputy Governor Col Yombe Dabai

    The convoy of Kebbi state Deputy Governor, Col Yombe Dabai was attacked on Wednesday by bandits in the state.

    Confirming the incident, special adviser to Kebbi State Governor on security matters Rabiu Kamba, said that the attack occured when the Deputy Governor ran into a large number of bandits operating in Kanya community of Kebbi state.

    He said the bandits were already robbing shops and rustling cattles in the surrounding villages in Danko/Wasagu including Kanya when the Deputy governor ran into them.

    It was learnt that the Deputy Governor, who was traveling with military personnel, tried to intervene and help the villagers and in the process a fierce gun battle ensued.

    Kamba mentioned that some of the soldiers attached to the Deputy Governor lost their lives in the exchange of gun fire between them and the bandits but maintained that bulk of the casualty fell on the side of the bandit

    Mr Kamba said that the Deputy Governor escaped unhurt in the battle.

     

     

  • Immigration raises alarm over mass movement of armed bandits from Borno to Zamfara for intensive Boko Haram training

    Immigration raises alarm over mass movement of armed bandits from Borno to Zamfara for intensive Boko Haram training

    By Emman Ovuakporie

    The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in a confidential memo to Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Yobe, Nasarawa formations had raised alarm over mass movement of armed bandits from Borno to their areas of coverage for intensive training.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports the memo signed by A.A Auna, Principal Staff Officer to the Comptroller General (CGIS) and dated July 23 advised the command heads to be on red alert over the movement to their territories.

    Read memo below:

    “I am directed to bring to your notice that the Service is in receipt of credible
    intelligence intimating of movements of Armed Bandits from Zamfara to Borno for
    intensive Boko Haram training.

    ” In view of this information, therefore, the CGIS has directed that you should
    intensify monitoring and surveillance around your area of jurisdiction with the view to gathering information that will help safeguard lives and properties.

    “You are to further ensure the prompt submission of valuable information for
    the attention of the CGIS os they unfold
    ” Treat as important and confidential, please.

    Alat
    ACG UA AUNA, PCC
    PRINCIPAL STAFF OFFICER TO THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL
    FOR: COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF IMMIGRATION SERVICE
    DISTRIBUTION
    CIS Borno, CIS Yobe, CIS Adamawa, ,
    CIS Naserowa, CIS Niger CES Zamfara,
    cis Kebbi, CIS Katsina, CIS Sokoto

  • Armed bandits kill Emir’s driver in Kaduna

    Armed bandits kill Emir’s driver in Kaduna

    Security agencies have reported that armed bandits attacked and killed Nasiru Muhammad, the personal driver of His Royal Highness the Emir of Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the armed bandits attacked the Buruku-Birnin Gwari road and the Emir’s driver was shot dead around Ungwan Yako forest along the route.

    Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai has expressed sadness over the incident.

    According to a statement released by the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, Governor El-Rufai prayed for the repose of the driver’s soul.

    The statement reads: “The Kaduna State Government has sent condolences to His Royal Highness the Emir of Birnin Gwari, on the death of his personal driver, Nasiru Muhammad in an attack by armed bandits.

    “Security agencies reported that armed bandits attacked the Buruku-Birnin Gwari road and Nasiru Muhammad was shot dead around Ungwan Yako forest along the route.

    “Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed sadness at the killing of Nasir Muhammad in Birnin Gwari LGA, and sent condolences to His Royal Highness, and the family of the driver, while praying for the repose of his soul”.

  • BREAKING: 3 abducted students of Greenfield University killed

    BREAKING: 3 abducted students of Greenfield University killed

    Three of the undisclosed number of students abducted by armed bandits from Greenfield University, Kaduna State have been killed.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the remains of the three students were found on Friday in Kwanan Bature village, a location close to the university.

    According to a statement by Samuel Aruwan, the State Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs (MISHA), the remains of the students have been evacuated to a mortuary.

    Recall that an unspecified number of students at Greenfield University located at Kasarami village off Kaduna-Abuja Road in Chikun LGA, were kidnapped by armed bandits on Tuesday night.

    “In an act of mindless evil and sheer wickedness, the armed bandits who kidnapped students of Greenfield University, have shot dead three of the abducted students.

    “The remains of three students were found today Friday, in Kwanan Bature village, a location close to the university and have been evacuated to a mortuary by the Commissioner, MISHA, and Force Commander, Operation Thunder Strike, Lt.Col. MH Abdullahi.

    “Governor Nasir El-Rufai has condemned the killing of three students as sheer wickedness, inhumanity and an outright desecration of human lives by vile entities.

    “He went on to say that the armed bandits represent the worst of humankind and must be fought at all cost for the violent wickedness they represent.

    “Evil, the Governor further said, would not triumph over God-given humanity. He appealed to citizens to come together against the forces of darkness challenging national security and the very existence of the Nigerian State.

    “The Governor, on behalf of the Government and people of Kaduna State sent deep condolences and empathy to the students’ families and the university community, as he prayed for the repose of their souls,” the statement reads.

  • BREAKING: Armed bandits wreak havoc in Kaduna; father, son dead; properties destroyed

    BREAKING: Armed bandits wreak havoc in Kaduna; father, son dead; properties destroyed

    Armed bandits on Monday wreaked havoc in Wawan Rafi II village, Zangon Kataf local government area of Kaduna State, killing a father, his son and two other persons.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the father was identified as Joshua Dauda and the seven-year-old son as Philip Dauda.

    The two other victims were identified as Francis Ayuba and a toddler, Florence Dennis.

    Seven houses, one car and one motorcycle were burnt in the attack with eight empty cases of 7.62mm ammunition recovered at the scene of the attack.

    Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government has confirmed the attack, saying the corpses of the father and his son have been retrieved.

    The attack was confirmed in a statement by Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State.

    “Security agencies have reported that armed bandits this morning attacked Wawan Rafi II village, in Zangon Kataf local government area.

    “According to the report, two persons were killed in the attack, identified as Joshua Dauda and his seven-year-old son Philip Dauda. Also, seven houses, one car and one motorcycle were burnt in the attack,” a statement reads.

    Similarly, armed bandits stormed a sugarcane farm on the outskirts of Iyatawa in Giwa LGA, leaving One Isah Haruna, a resident of the area, dead.

    Meanwhile, security agencies also reported that a gang of armed bandits was repelled at Rugan Bello, a settlement located along the Kajuru-Buda road in Kajuru LGA.

    According to the report, the bandits invaded the village in the early hours of today in an attempt to kidnap locals but were intercepted and resisted by community vigilante members.

    “As the bandits retreated shooting sporadically, one of their members was hit by a shot and died instantly,” Aruwan stated.

  • Bandits invade Niger communities, cart away foodstuff

    Bandits invade Niger communities, cart away foodstuff

    Armed bandits said to be numbering about 200 on Sunday morning attacked some communities in Munya and Paikoro Local Government Areas of Niger State, killing two vigilantes, a middle-aged man and injuring about 15 others in an operation which the villagers said was targeted only at foodstuff.

    About 15 women were kidnapped and made to help the bandits carry the looted foodstuff packed in sacks from the communities.

    They, however, promised to release the women after helping them to evacuate the foodstuff to a particular location.

    The communities invaded by the bandits include Beni, old and new Dalolo, Aboloso, Ishau and Amale, all in Paikoro Local Government, while Gwari Nyayi, Kabiri and Biri in Munya Local Government were also raided by the bandits.

    According to the District Head of Beni, Alhaji Jafaru Umar Sarki who confirmed the invasion by the bandits, the operation started on Saturday evening when the armed men numbering about 200 and in over 50 motorcycles stormed the communities in three different groups.

    The Saturday operation only lasted for one hour and the bandits went away with sacks load of foodstuff and other items looted from shops in the town.

    He said on Sunday morning, the bandits returned and shared themselves into three groups, moving from one community to another targeting only foodstuff and provisions from shops in an operation that started around 9.00am and lasted for over three hours.

    According to him, for the three hours which the Sunday operation lasted, a helicopter owned by one of the security agencies was busy hovering around the communities while the bandits were operating on the ground.

    “We saw a helicopter moving around the communities for about six times when the bandits were operating but the helicopter did not attack the bandits.

    “We did not know what the helicopter was doing in the air because bandits were operating freely on the ground.

    He said that “Immediately the bandits finished the operation and left, we did not see the helicopter again, so we don’t know whether it was providing cover for the bandit or to attack the bandits”.

    He revealed that the communities became helpless when all calls made to relevant security agencies to come to their rescue failed, adding that “in fact, the Divisional Police Officer attached to the area told me that they had no fuel in the car”.

    The District Head, a retired police officer, disclosed that only the local vigilantes were on ground to provide some help but their ammunitions got exhausted after over 30 minutes of gun exchange with the bandits.

    They, however, lost two of their men, leaving the bandits with gunshot injuries.

    A middle-aged man who operates a computer centre at Kafin Koro, identified as Francis Daniel, was shot and killed from a hundred metres distance when he attempted to escape into the bush on sighting the bandits.