By Luka Binniyat
(Kaduna) – At least 7 persons were killed and 22 Kidnapped after assailants launched coordinated attacks on three Christians rural communities in Southern Kaduna, central Nigeria, on Tuesday morning (5th February, 2024), leaders of the community affirmed.
Six persons sustained gunshot injuries from the attacks which took place in two counties in the Christian majority Southern Kaduna, according to three separate Press Statements made available to Thruthnigeria in Kaduna, Tuesday,
A statement signed by Mr. Istifanus Danjuma Makoshi, National President, of Binawa Community Development Association (BIDA) reads:
Traditional Head among the kidnapped
“The Binawa Community Development Association strongly condemns the recent attack on Binawa Community in Kauru Local Government Area (County), Kaduna State, which occurred in the early hours of today Wednesday 5th February 2025.
“This tragic incident, perpetrated by unknown gunmen, has led to the killing of one innocent person, the kidnapping of five community members, and left many others in fear and distress,” the statement added
The Statement said that the attack took place between 3:am to 4:am local time, after the attackers overpowered local volunteer guards standing watch.
The names of the murdered victim was given as:
Mr. Mani Ali Maikomo, 46.
According to the statement, the Traditional ruler of the community, Mr. Mazuwa Saleh was kidnapped alongside the following:
(1)Mr. Dauda Danjuma Makoshi (2)Mrs. Kande Dauda (3) Mr. Paul Musa Gombe and (4) Mr. Solomon Jonahm
“This act of violence is not just an attack on the victims and their families but on the peace and stability of the entire Binawa Christian community,” the statement affirmed.
“BIDA calls on the Kaduna State Government, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to take urgent and decisive action to:
“Secure the immediate and safe release of those abducted; bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice and Increase security presence in Binawa and other vulnerable communities to prevent further attacks.
“The frequency of attacks in Kauru LGA is deeply concerning, and we demand a stronger commitment from the government to protect lives and property.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Mani Ali Maikomo and stand in solidarity with all those affected. We also pray for the swift recovery of Mr. Solomon Jonah and the safe return of the kidnapped individuals,” the statement read.
Pastor, 4 others killed
Also, the Socio-cultural association of the Akurmi ethnic nationality of Southern Kaduna issued its own statement Tuesday, signed by Mr. Maigamo Yakubu, National President, Akurmi Development Association (AKURDA) affirming the deadly invasion of one of its communities in the early hours of Tuesday.
Reads the statement:
“The Akurmi Development Association (AKURDA) strongly condemns the barbaric act of killing, injuring, and abducting innocent people in the Majagada community, Lere Local Government, Kaduna State, which occurred in the early hours of this morning.
“The attack, which started around midnight and extended into the early hours of the morning, resulted in the loss of four lives.”
There names were given as (1) Rev. Bitrus Sale (2) Mr. Maitala Madaki (3) Mr. Iliya Kasada and (4) Mr. Ishaya Luka
Those kidnapped were listed as:
1. Mrs. Godiya Istifanus (35 years)
2. Miss Happy Awaje (14 years)
3. Miss Rachael Istifanus (21 years)
4. Mrs. Agnes Yusuf (23 years)
5. Mrs. Nchiye Haukuri (26 years)
6. Mr. Divine Haukuri (14 years)
7. Mr. Habila Digga (34 years)
8. Mrs. Martha Ibrahim (27 years)
9. Mrs. Comfort Yusuf (29 years)
10. Mrs. Nahum Tanko (40 years)
11. Mrs. Zakka Tanko (30 years)
12. Mrs. James Tanko (27 years)
The injured are: Mr. Bawa Samaila Thomas Bawa and Peter Maitala
“We urge the security agencies and those in power to intervene promptly and ensure the safe release of the abducted individuals. We also call for increased security measures to prevent future attacks.
“May God grant eternal rest to the deceased, quick recovery to the injured, and safe release of the abducted. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families and the entire Majagada community,” the statement read in conclusion.
Rumaya also attacked at same time
Around the same time, bandits attacked Galadimawa community of the ethnic Rumaya tribe, in Lere County, killing two persons and abducting five villagers.
A statement signed by Joel Ahada, the Youth leader of the community and sent to Thruthnigeria Tuesday reads:
“Kumana chiefdom Kwassam Ward in Galadimawa town, Rumaya, suffered yet another devastating attack by bandits.
“Innocent lives were lost, and many more were left traumatized.
“We strongly condemn this heinous act, which is a blatant disregard for killing human rights and the safety of rural dwellers in our region.
“Has our government turned a deaf ear to our plight?” queried the Youth Leader.
“We demand urgent action and protection for our communities,” he said.
Those killed in the attack were given as: Shehu Umaru ans Philip Barde.
While the injured were named as Vincent Danjuma; Francis Habila ans Amu Bawa
Below are the names of the kidnapped victims
1. Shekarau Umaru
2. Nathan Danjuma
3. Augustine Samuel
4. L Rdawo Bawa
5. Hon. Christopher Sayi
“Let’s continue to pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed, a safe return of this loved one’s.” the statement reads in conclusion.
Luka Binniyat is an award-winning reporter and writes on conflicts, politics and religion for TruthNigeria from Kaduna.
