Bandits kill 17 in fresh attack on Kaduna village

At least 17 people, including civilian militia members were killed in clashes with cattle thieves in a community in Kaduna state, the police confirmed on Friday.

According to the police, armed bandits attacked Jan Ruwa Village in Birnin Gwari district of Kaduna state and stole livestock, leading to clashes with a local militia force.

Kaduna state police spokesman Yakubu Sabo said the bandits took away many cows, but that the vigilante members fought the bandits in an attempt to reclaim the stolen herd.

“In the process, the bodies of 15 vigilantes and two others were recovered,” he added in a statement.

The Birnin Gwari area of Kaduna state has in recent years become notorious for cattle rustling and kidnapping for ransom, forcing many local people to flee for their homes.

Gangs are known to roam on motorbikes on the hunt for victims, often crossing over into neighbouring Zamfara state.

Kidnap victims are often released within days if the ransom is paid, but residents say they can be killed if no money is forthcoming and their bodies dumped in the bush.

Amnesty International last year said communities in Zamfara state were “at the mercy” of armed bandits who had killed at least 371 people in the first six months of 2018.