Gunmen kill 55 in Kaduna, including pastor, 4 pregnant women

…KDSG condemns attack

From Femi Oyelola and Muhammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

There was pandemonium and panic in Fadan- Karshi villages in Sanga local government area of Kaduna state, when suspected gunmen yesterday attacked and killed a pastor, four pregnant women, children, a soldier and several others in the area.
Reports from the area said two other soldiers sustained injuries during the attack and are now receiving treatment at the Gwantu General Hospital.
It was gathered that about 50 villagers were killed in the attack in Sanga community which has witnessed several attacks since April this year.
Contacted, Vice Chairman of the Local government, Pastor Bulus Mandey Anzah said 12 people were killed in Fadan Karshi, 30 in Fada Karshi Daji and seven others in another community.
“A pastor and another person were also killed at Ungwar Ganye, pregnant women, elderly and children were killed while hundreds of resident have flee their homes to unknown destinations,” he said.
According to him, there where temporary camps set-up for some of the displaced as he urged the emergency agencies to support them.
He said the attacks in the area are getting worse, saying the soldiers who attempted to repeal the attack were also injured and another killed.
Kaduna Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Aminu Lawan didn’t not answer nor returned his call.
Reacting to the attack, a group under the aegis of Centre Initiative for Development and Fundamental Rights Advocacy (CEDRA) described the attack as barbaric.
According to a statement, issued by Dr. John Danfulani, the assailants annihilated many people, wounded over 40, burned down homes, and destroyed farmlands.
The group slammed elected and appointed public office holders from Southern Kaduna describing them as gigantic disappointment for their refusal to draw the attention of government to attacks in Southern Kaduna.
Meanwhile, Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Mukhtar Ramalan Yero has condemned in strong terms the attacks, describing it as an attempt by enemies of peace aimed at truncating the present stable atmosphere in the State.
A statement by the Director General, Media and Publicity to the Governor, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki said the attackers were clearly out to create tension in the state with selfish and dangerous aim, while pleading with such unscrupulous elements and their sponsors to stop killing innocent and defenseless people.
Governor Yero called on the people of the LGA to remain calm, as according to him, security agencies have already been directed to commence operations aimed at restoring law and order in the area