30 feared killed as gunmen invade Southern Kaduna community, burn homes

By James Ike

Gunmen have reportedly killed no fewer than 30 residents, including women and children, in a fresh attack on Naridon Village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, deepening fears over the worsening security situation in Southern Kaduna.

The assailants were said to have stormed the community on Sunday night, opening fire on residents before setting several houses ablaze. The attack left scores of families devastated as survivors fled for safety.

Community sources disclosed that at least 30 bodies had been recovered from the village as of Monday, warning that the death toll could rise as search and rescue efforts continue in the affected area.

Photographs from the community showed widespread destruction, with many homes reduced to rubble after being torched by the attackers. The number of those injured or displaced was yet to be officially determined at the time of filing this report.

The latest bloodshed has intensified concerns over the persistent wave of violence in Kauru and other parts of Southern Kaduna, where armed attacks, killings and kidnappings have become increasingly frequent despite repeated calls for stronger security measures.

Residents and community leaders appealed to the Kaduna State Government, the Federal Government and security agencies to immediately reinforce security in the area, pursue those responsible and implement lasting measures to prevent further attacks on vulnerable communities.

The attack comes just days after another tragedy in Southern Kaduna. Last Friday, reports indicated that at least eight kidnapped victims died while in captivity after spending more than three months in the hands of their abductors.

According to journalist and former Kaduna State Government spokesman, Reuben Buhari, seven of the deceased were among residents abducted from Ariko village in Kachia Local Government Area, while the eighth victim was a newborn baby delivered by a woman who was kidnapped from neighbouring Awon village.

Their deaths have further underscored the growing humanitarian and security crisis confronting communities across Southern Kaduna.