Residents show no interest in Christmas as bandits kill 38 in Kaduna

Kaduna residents on Monday mourned over 38 residents of Giwa Local Government area killed during bandits’ attack.

The locals say all banditry attacks from December 1, 2021, to date, was enough to discourage them from any celebrations.

Many residents who spoke to newsmen on Monday, expressed pain and grief over the increasing attack on the innocent residents and passersby in the state.

On December 3, 2021, bandits killed 13 people when they invaded a community at Kainuwar Isa and Kugu of Dutse Ward in Zaria LGA

On December 14, bandits blocked Kaduna -Zaria road, attacked motorists, killed three, and abducted scores whom they conveyed inside their already awaiting van to the bush.

Less than 24 hours, on December 25, 2021, bandits again attacked, killed a serving member of Kaduna State House of Assembly and abducted several others.

On December 11, 2021, bandits attacked Sabo Tasha, kidnapped a pregnant woman and her four children and set a house belonging to one of their targets ablaze.

However, many people in the state were taken by surprise on December 18, 2021, when several bandits invaded Giwa LGA, killing 38 residents and burning houses and vehicles.

The Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan who gave an update on Sunday, December 19, 2021, said 29 Bodies were identified, while nine others were unidentified

While many residents in the state continued to mourn, the death of their loved ones, a resident in Kajuru who identified himself as Mr. Samuel Danjuma claimed bandits were in control of Kaduna state.

He said, ” Bandits choose where to attack when to attack, whom to attack and time to attack.

He said, for bandits to attack a community, or local government and kill 38, burn houses and other properties, and go free, it means they are gradually taken over the state.

Speaking to newsmen in the same vein, Mrs. Alice Moses said, Kaduna is not healthy for Christmas celebrations this year as the state witnessed so many deaths resulting from bandits attack.

According to her, families of those gruesomely murdered by bandits, those who scrambled to pay ransoms, and those whose relatives are still in kidnappers’ den are still going through pains and wondered how their mood would look like during this festive period.

Mallam Mohammed Yunusa who said he had relocated to Bakin Dogo, said Kaduna is a bit peaceful, compared to his former Local Government of residence where bandits force them to pay a monthly ransom, or face kidnapping or being killed/

Kaduna Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mohammed Jalige did not pick his calls to confirm possible security arrangements during the festive period.