Bandits have reportedly killed three persons and abducted another 13 during an invasion of Damari town in eastern part of Birnin-Gwari local government area of Kaduna State.
The bandits were said to have also looted shops in the community.
In a statement by Ishaq Usman Kasai, the Chairman, Birnin-Gwari Emirate Progressives Union (BEPU), he said the bandits launched the attack shortly after Ansaru terrorist group protecting the community withdraw their posts.
He said the bandits, who came on motorcycles, operated for about an hour in the town.
Kasai recalled in his statement the Ansaru terrorists groups had earlier engaged in a fierce fight to protect Damari town and its environs from attacks by the bandits.
The terrorists group vowed to shoulder the responsibility of defending some Birnin Gwari communities they captured, warning neither election nor government activities will take place in those places.
According to Kasai: “On Monday 25th July, 2022 around 6:00pm, terrorists armed bandits in large number on motorcycles wielding sophisticated weapons invaded Damari town of Kazage Ward in the Eastern part of Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing three people, namely; Hashimu Dan-Daura, Nazifi Adamu and Alhaji Dangude.
“The terrorists bandits operated in the town stylishly unchallenged for about an hour.
“The bandits also returned the following day on 26th July, 2022 around 6:00pm, forcefully looted many shops of traders in the town and on their way back to the forests kidnapped 13 persons at Hayin-Gada of the same Damari community.
“The attacks came after Ansaru members who were considered to be defending the locals deserted the area for about four days now.
“It could be recall that, Ansaru members clashed with the bandits when they earlier invaded the town on 13th July, 2022 where damages were made to the town including burning of private hospital, two vehicles and one shop.
“However, following the recent series of attacks, residents, including women and children, continued to flee the community for safety.
“We therefore call on Government to address the continued loss of lives and property in the area.”
