Two persons have been confirmed killed after a group of armed bandits attacked Ungwan Taila village, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The attack was confirmed by troops of Operation Safe Haven, who arrived after the assailants had committed the dastardly act.
Mr Samuel Aruwan, the state Commissioner of Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, confirmed the incident on Sunday.
According to Aruwan, the governor of Kaduna state, Nasir el-Rufai expressed his regret at the further loss of lives and property from such attacks in the area.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to their families and assured them of the government’s relentless efforts in ensuring the sustenance of peace in the state.
The statement read in part, “In the meantime, the troops will continue search-and-rescue operations in the area.
“Citizens will be briefed on further updates.”
Zangon-kataf has been a prime target for bandits who have continuously raided, maimed and killed its residents without provocation.
Chronicle NG reported the abduction of Luka Benson Yakusak, the priest in charge of St Matthew’s Catholic Church, Anchuna village, who was abducted from his residence.
It was also gathered that the village is the hometown of Matthew Kukah, Catholic bishop of Sokoto diocese.
The incident was confirmed by the Hausa Christians Foundation (HACFO) via its Facebook.
The statement read:
“PRAYER ALERT!
“Barely two days that Rev Silas Y. Ali an ECWA Pastor of ECWA Zonzon DCC was martyred (11/09/2021) by Hausa/Fulani Muslims at Zango Town, Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State another Catholic Priest of Anchuna Parish Rev. Fr. Benson Yakusak in Ikulu Chiefdom of Zagon kataf LGA kaduna state, was kidnapped by “unknown gunmen” this yesterday’s night (13-09-2021).
“Join us to Pray for God’s intervention concerning this God’s Servant. We shall not loss this one to these evil people in Jesus Name. Amen!
“Pray for Kaduna State!
“Pray for the Church in Northern Nigeria!
However, the Catholic priest was released after spending many days in captivity.
Less than 48 hours before the the abuction of the Catholic priest, Chronicle NG reported the gruesome murder of an ECWA pastor in the same local government.
The victim was the presiding Pastor of Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) church in Kibori-Asha Awuce in Zangon Kataf.
Reverend Ali was last seen on Saturday when he was said to be on his way to Kafanchan.
The butchered corpse of the clergyman was later found by a search party on Sunday at Kibori community, near Asha-Awuce.
Matchete marks on his body indicated that he was attacked and butchered to death.
24 hours after the pastor’s killing, 12 people were brutally murdered in the same community.
The attack was confirmed by the state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan.
According to a statement by the commissioner, the assailants stormed the village on Sunday evening, killing 12 residents and injuring two others.
The victims were identified as follows; Philbia Ysuaf, Suzanna Ezekiel, Rahib Alex, Ishaku Bamaiyi, Deborah Ishaku, Tinat Bamaiyi, Zichat Kefas, Sunday Daniel, Hauwa Gabriel, Fedelia Famson, Sadia Donald and Goodness Kefas.
