Eight Killed In Reprisal Attack in Zangon Kataf, Kaduna State
At least eight people have been killed in a suspected reprisal attack on Kacecere village in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, according to official reports from the state government.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, follows the killing of 34 persons on Sunday evening in Madamai and Abun villages in Kaura Local Government Area, reportedly carried out by armed assailants.
In the aftermath of the initial attacks, tensions escalated across southern Kaduna, prompting what security agencies believe to be retaliatory violence. Seven individuals sustained injuries, and several homes were destroyed in the reprisal that took place in Kacecere.
A statement released by Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the casualties and outlined the government’s response.
Aruwan stated:
“According to reports from security agencies, this attack was in reprisal to earlier attacks in Jankasa village, Zangon Kataf LGA, where one Mr. Yakubu Danjuma was killed, and in Madamai, Kaura LGA, where 34 persons were murdered.”
The commissioner added that the reprisal attack on Kacecere left eight people dead, six injured, and several houses razed. He emphasized that Governor Nasir El-Rufai has expressed deep concern and condemned the renewed violence, urging residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
The Governor also directed security agencies to conduct thorough investigations and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. He further appealed to communities in southern Kaduna to embrace peace and report threats or suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
“Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed deep sadness at the reports and offered his condolences to the families of the deceased. He prayed for the repose of their souls and urged citizens to avoid reprisal attacks, which only worsen the cycle of violence.”
As of the latest update, troops and police personnel have been deployed to the affected areas to stabilize the situation and maintain law and order. The government assured the public that more detailed information would be provided as official reports are finalized.
This latest wave of violence underscores the fragile security situation in southern Kaduna, where ethno-religious tensions and communal disputes have historically triggered cycles of conflict and bloodshed.
The Kaduna State Government on Monday said that at least eight persons have been killed in what looked like a reprisal attack in Kacecere Village in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of the state on Monday.
This followed the killing of no fewer than 34 persons by bandits at Madamai and Abun villages in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday evening.
Seven persons were said to have sustained injuries in the attacks.
Another statement released on Monday by the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said the attacks in the two communities led to the killing of the eight persons
The commissioner expressed governor Nasir El-Rufai’s anger over the renewed attacks in the southern Kaduna
He also quoted the governor to have appealed for calm over the attacks, calling on residents not to take the laws into their own hands.
The commissioner said, “The Kaduna State Government has received reports from security agencies of an attack by unidentified persons in Kacecere village, Zangon Kataf LGA, which has resulted in the deaths of some citizens.
“According to the reports, this attack was in reprisal to earlier attacks in Jankasa village, Zangon Kataf LGA, where one Mr. Yakubu Danjuma was killed; and also in Madamai in Kaura LGA where 34 persons were killed.
“The attacks in these two locations, security agencies reported, led to the reprisal attacks by unidentified assailants on Kacecere community, which has left eight dead, six persons injured and several houses razed.
“Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed deep sadness at the reports and offered his condolences to the families of the deceased, as he prayed for the repose of victims’ souls.
“The governor appealed for recourse to the law and urged communities to eschew reprisals and similar violent actions. He also tasked security agencies to conduct thorough investigations into the incident.
“As of the time of this update, troops and Police personnel were working in the locations and the public will be briefed after official reports are received.”