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| File photo: Credit SpyeTV - OlayemiEsan |
... Kaduna State Government debunks reports of aerial attack by terrorists.
The Kaduna State Government said it was the arrival of the air asset military fighter jet of Nigerian Air Force (under Operation Whirl Punch) which deterred the bandits from further attacks on the citizens in Ungwan Maikori village, after the bandits had already kil.led one local and burnt several houses.
Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan in a statement said NAF helicopter had earlier scanned the first two locations and sighted burnt houses and properties on fire.
He said military fighter jet of Nigerian Air Force (under Operation Whirl Punch) was dispatched to the Ungwan Maikori to engage bandits that attacked the villages of Dogon Noma, Ungwan Sarki and Ungwan Maikori in Kajuru local government area on Sunday.
Aruwan added that, the helicopter intercepted the bandits at the last location (Ungwan Maikori) and engaged them as they retreated, before the arrival of ground troops to the general area.
He revealed that the story that a helicopter provided air support to the bandits against the locals, is therefore an untrue account.
According to the reports, the bandits stormed the area in large numbers on motorcycles, and proceeded to raze several houses, as they attacked and killed locals.
Since the attack on Sunday, security agencies and traditional leaders in the locations have been updating the government on the development.
As of the time of this report, 32 persons have been confirmed dead following the attack. The deceased are listed as follows:
DOGON NOMA
- Ahmadu Musa
- Audu Dandaura
- Akilu Laya
- David Wasika
- Hajatu Buhari
- Nashon Buhari
- Iliya Yaki
- Javan Mairabo
- Jackson Adamu
- Nasco Victor
- Dutse Gwamna
- Joshua Amadi
- Gona Isah
- Douglas Yakubu
- Phineas Joel
- Tanimu Umaru
- Abody Iliya
- Wanzami Halidu
- Dogo Aweh
- Sunday Shittu
- Rejoice Audu
- Jedidiah Ayawa
- Jinkai Pius
- Rebecca Ayafa
- Ishaya John
- Audu Danladi
- Jibo Sule
- Yakubu Garba
- Williams Danbaba
UNGWAN SARKI
- Maikasa Kufana
- Augustine Bahago
UNGWAN MAIKORI
- Mamiya Maikori
While the Government mourned the gruesome killing and burning of houses in the attacked locations, a report was published suggesting that the victims of the attack were killed by terrorists using a helicopter.
The Kaduna State Government wishes to make a clarification based on reports received since Sunday. The bandits attacked the first two locations and killed 31 citizens. They then headed into Ungwan Maikori, where they killed one person and burnt some houses.
The Government of Kaduna State having gone through all the facts, finds it regrettable that a section of media will circulate an unverified report, insensitive to its implications on national security, law and order.
Eyewitnesses to the peddled report of a helicopter aiding bandits in the killing of innocent citizens are invited to present their accounts to the Government with incontrovertible facts.
The military, police and other agencies working in the general area deserve commendation and motivation, rather than demoralizing allegations.
In the last 72 hours, security forces have conducted vigorous operations in the same general area, and are on the trail of a wounded notable terrorist.
Similarly, several kidnapped victims, including an expatriate kidnapped at a mining site, were rescued after a fierce engagement with bandits.
Governor Nasir El-Rufa'i, on receiving reorts of the attack, expressed deep sadness and prayed for the repose of the victims' souls. He also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
