Security forces have killed 10 bandits in Kwanan Bataru, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna state.
In another development, one person was killed while three others were abducted by bandits in Oil Village, a community located near Kaduna Refinery in Chikun LGA of the state.
The bandits were said to have invaded Oil Village on Saturday night unleashing terror on the residents.
Sources in the community said one Mr. Auta was killed by the bandits while attempting to alert the community about the presence of the criminals.
He said, “Mr. Auta noticed the presence of the bandits and he sneaked out of his house to alert the community since telephone services had been cut off.
“Unfortunately as he was maneuvering his way out to alert the community, the bandits sighted him and shot him to death.
“The bandits were many and were well armed, we couldn’t alert security agencies because telecom services had been cut off in our area”.
He added that three other people, including a medical doctor and his son where abducted.
The doctor was said to have withdrawn his son from one of the schools for fear of kidnappers, only to be abducted at home.
Another resident of the area who shared the information on a WhatsApp platform of “Community News Update”, said the bandits invaded the community at about 11pm on Saturday, killing one of his neighbours while the other neighbour and his son were abducted.
Lamenting the situation, he solicited for prayers from members of the platform.
“Pray along with us. We were visited by bandits/kidnappers last night (Saturday).
“My neighbour opposite my house was killed (Mr Auta), my friend and neighbour’s son were kidnapped (Dominic), my other neighbour, a medical doctor was also kidnapped (Dr Madu). Pray along with us”, he requested.
Chikun LGA is among the areas where telecom services were shutdown by the Kaduna state government as part of strategies to fight banditry and kidnapping.
Spokesman of the Kaduna state police command, Muhammad Jalige could not be reached when contacted as his mobile telephone was switched off.
Meanwhile the Kaduna state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan has disclosed that 10 bandits were killed by security forces in Kwanan Bataru, on the outskirts of Fatika in Giwa LGA.
In a statement on Monday, Aruwan said the bandits were eliminated in a gun duel with security forces adding that several others escaped with gun shot injuries.
Aruwan said, “One Alhaji Abubakar Usman, who is likely to have been kidnapped in a neighbouring state and was being held by bandits in the area, was rescued by the troops, and is being debriefed at the moment.
“The bandits who managed to escape left behind several motorcycles, one revolver, mobile phones, torchlights and some charms. One of the sheds used by the bandits to hold hostages was burnt.”
The commissioner said Governor Nasir El-Rufai commended the security forces for taking out the notorious bandits.
“The governor wishes the troops and personnel more success in the ongoing operations across the state.”
The statement appealed to residents of Fatika general area to report to security agencies anyone found seeking medical attention for questionable injuries on these numbers: 09034000060 and 08170189999.
The commissioner assured that all information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
John Shiklam in Kaduna