Two individuals have been officially reported as killed and 18 individuals taken captive by attackers in Ungwan Dantata in the Gefe community of Kallah Ward, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A resident named Sujada Ayuba, who confirmed the occurrence to PUNCH Online on Tuesday, mentioned that the attackers entered the village by foot on Monday morning at around 1:00 am.
The individuals who were killed are Ezra Badama and Nagode Ibro, while those who were abducted are Nehemiah Sukuni, Rebecca Nehemiah, Sadam Gane, Alice Sadam, Jashu’a Sukuni, Rhoda Isaac, Isaac Dako, Patience Godwin, A’ishatu Ezra, Damaris Nathan, Justina Afis, Gabriela Nathan, Daniela Nehemiah, Jackson Sadam, Amame Ezra, Benedict Monday, Enoch Yohanna, and Igwe Saleh.
He mentioned that since November last year, attackers have been constantly causing trouble for the people of the Gefe community, and they cannot calculate the amount of money spent on ransom payments.
“This community is in desperate need of assistance from the government, and their primary activity is farming. We are currently in the rainy season, and most of them are unable to reach their farmlands due to fear of being kidnapped. They have sold all their crops, and some have even sold their lands just to raise money for the ransom of their loved ones, with no food and money to buy fertilizer. We require government intervention such as food and fertilizer to help alleviate the effects of hunger in our community.
“We are appealing to the government to help deploy security personnel in the area to restore the community's confidence. Some victims have previously informed us that they walk with attackers through different villages and cross major roads to reach their destination.
“Having security forces in the area will aid in apprehending these attackers who have been causing distress in our communities. There are strategic positions where security forces can prevent the kidnapping or killing of people by attackers,” Sujada added.
He stated that there has been no communication yet with the attackers regarding ransom negotiations.
He mentioned that the two deceased individuals have been laid to rest today, Tuesday, 7th May 2024, according to Christian customs.
The Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, did not respond to calls and text messages sent to him by our correspondent when contacted.
Recently, attackers kidnapped 87 individuals after carrying out a fresh attack on the Kajuru-Station community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A member of the Kajuru-Station Youths, Harisu Dari, confirmed the occurrence to our correspondent in Kaduna.
Harisu mentioned that the attackers also raided some shops and stole food items and other valuables.
He mentioned that the attackers entered the village around 10 pm.
