…Gov. orders manhunt, relief for victims
At least 31 people, including eight children, have been killed after suspected terrorists launched a deadly midnight attack on Naridon village in Kamaru ward, of Kauru local government area of Kaduna State, burning homes and shops in one of the deadliest assaults on Southern Kaduna in recent months.
The attackers reportedly stormed the border community around 11 p.m. on Sunday, firing indiscriminately at residents before setting houses and business premises ablaze. Survivors said the gunmen operated for several hours, leaving behind widespread destruction, grieving families and scores of displaced residents.
Secretary to the Village Head of Naridon, Dogon Rana, confirmed the attack yesterday, describing it as a devastating tragedy that has plunged the community into mourning.
According to him, 31 bodies have so far been recovered, while four critically injured victims are receiving treatment. He warned that the death toll could rise as some of the injured remain in critical condition.
Rana recounted heartbreaking scenes from the attack, including the death of five children from a single family in one night. He said only one child survived, and is currently battling for life in hospital.
He also disclosed that his own residence, along with several other homes and shops, was destroyed in the attack, leaving many families homeless after the fires consumed their belongings.
The village official blamed the scale of the tragedy partly on the poor road network leading to the community, saying the lack of a motorable access road delayed emergency response and reduced residents’ chances of escaping.
“We have continued to appeal for a good road and improved security. Had emergency responders reached us earlier, many lives could have been saved,” he said, urging the Federal Government, Kaduna State Government and security agencies to strengthen security in the area. Another resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, alleged that 22 members of the Rana family were among those killed. The resident also claimed the attack lasted nearly three hours despite the presence of military formations in nearby Kamaru and Ungwan Magaji, about two kilometres from the village, and expressed concern over what was described as an inadequate security response after the incident.
Reacting to the attack, the Kaduna State Government expressed deep sorrow over the killings, noting that Naridon is a border community between Kaduna State and Ganawuri in Riyom local government area of Plateau State. In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaƙi, the government strongly condemned the attack and directed security agencies to intensify operations to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Governor Uba Sani extended his condolences to the families of the victims, prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed and the speedy recovery of the injured, and directed the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) to provide immediate relief and humanitarian assistance to affected families. The state government also reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Plateau State Government, security agencies, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to strengthen security cooperation, restore lasting peace and protect lives and property along the Kaduna-Plateau border.
While urging residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, the government appealed to communities to support security agencies with credible intelligence, reject violence and embrace dialogue, reiterating its commitment to safeguarding lives and sustaining peace across Kaduna State.
The latest attack has heightened fears across Kauru LGA, where several communities have repeatedly come under attack by armed groups, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property and the displacement of hundreds of residents.
