Tension As Bandit Kill Kaduna Imam, Injure Two

Bandits in the early hours of Tuesday invaded a mosque at the Sabon Layi, Kakangi ward in Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing the Imam and one worshipper identified as Kabir, with two others sustaining various degrees of injuries.

Two other worshippers who sustained serious injuries from the attack were identified as Bilya Mairabo and Ashiru Mairabo.

They were said to be receiving medical attention at the Jibrin Maigwari General Hospital, Birnin-Gwari.

A community leader, Zubair AbduRrauf, told PUNCH Online on the telephone that the incident occurred during the early morning prayers around 5am.

AbduRrauf, who holds the title of Danmasanin of Birnin-Gwari, added that the bandits attacked Birnin-Gwari communities almost daily, killing and abducting residents, especially farmers.

He added that the situation was more worrisome on the Birnin-Gwari-Kaduna highway and has become a nightmare for travellers and other road users.

He said, “Yes, an Imam of a mosque and two other worshippers were killed. It occurred around 5 am on Tuesday. Two other worshippers are at the Jibrin Maigwari General Hospital, Birnin-Gwari.

“The attack took place at Ga Allah Babba of Sabon Layi, an agrarian community in the Western part of Birnin-Gwari. These are areas neighbouring the Kamuku National Park and the Kuyebana Forest in Zamfara and Niger states.

“We are in a precarious situation in Birnin-Gwari. Even on the Kaduna – Birnin-Gwari highway, people are being escorted by either security personnel or the vigilante. Two days ago, the bandits killed two people coming back from Kaduna.

“The bandits’ attack is on a daily basis. Security personnel are really trying their best to see that the attacks are being curtailed but we need a change of strategy from them (security personnel).”

There was no official confirmation from either the state government or the state police command as of the time of filing this report.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, told our correspondent on the telephone that he would revert.

“I am driving and when I stop, I will get back to you,” he said.

Punch.