PARIS OLYMPIC GAMES
No fewer than 50 people, including a retired Director of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Zakariya Markus, and his brother, Monday Markus, have been abducted by bandits in Kwassam and Sabon Layi Kan Makama communities in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The bandits were reported to have invaded the community in large numbers, shot indiscriminately, and picked up two people at gunpoint, who led them to the retired CBN Director’s residence.
They also opened fire on residents who rushed out in an attempt to rescue the victims, killing six of them on the spot while others sustained gunshot wounds.
The spokesman for SOKAPU, Josiah Abraks, who confirmed the incident in a statement released to newsmen on Saturday, described the renewed attack as “despicable and condemnable.”.
He said: “Information reaching SOKAPU states that terror attacks took place yesterday (16/02/24) at Kwassam and Sabon Layin Kan Makama, both in Kauru Local Government Area.
“At Kwassam, about five people were said to have been killed and scores of others kidnapped, including a former assistant director of the CBN and his younger brother.
“While at Sabon Layin Kan Makama, about 50 people were said to have been kidnapped. These atrocities continually being visited on citizens of the state are despicable and highly condemnable, and we hereby unequivocally condemn the acts and their perpetrators.
“We call on the state government and all relevant authorities not to relent in their good works but to step up and remain steadfast in ensuring the safety and peace of all law-abiding citizens of the state.”
Meanwhile, Kaduna State Governor, Mr. Uba Sani, has condemned the attack and condoled with the victims while appealing for aggressive military operations against bandits across the state.
“We are here on behalf of Governor Uba Sani to first contact you over the lives lost in Kerawa and Sabon Birni Wards in Igabi LGA and also Kwassam, Kurera, and Kan Makama communities in Kauru LGA.
“May Almighty God grant the deceased eternal rest and grant a speedy recovery to the injured.
“I want to assure you that we are also here to assess the security situation. As you can see, troops are presently carrying out operations in these locations, to which you have attested.
“The Governor of Kaduna State is not relenting in his efforts, and he is also working towards sustained aggressive military operations in the frontline locations and emerging fronts like Kauru LGA,” Sani, who was represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said.
They were on an on-the-spot assessment of the security situation in the area.
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