Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani issued a directive on Sunday for the police to launch an investigation into the bandit attack that occurred in Saya-Saya village, situated in the Ikara Local Government Area of the state. This attack tragically resulted in the death of seven worshippers in a mosque.
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mohammed Lawal Shehu, released a statement in Kaduna on Sunday, conveying this directive. Governor Sani strongly condemned the heinous and barbaric act, expressing his determination that the government will not cease its efforts until peace is fully restored throughout every corner of the state.
He said, “We understand the concerns and anxieties of the residents of Ikara, in particular, and Kaduna State, in general. Your safety and security are our top priorities, and we want to reassure you that we are working tirelessly to maintain peace and stability.
“We encourage the public to remain calm and vigilant during this period. We also call upon all residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and provide any relevant information that could assist in the ongoing investigation.”
According to reports, on Friday night, a group of bandits launched an attack on the village while Muslim worshippers were engaged in their Isha’i (Sunset) prayers at a local mosque in the vicinity.
The bandits, during their assault, fatally shot several individuals, including the leader of the local vigilante group, the Imam who was leading the prayer, and three other worshippers. They subsequently proceeded to another location in the area where they killed two additional residents.
The village head, Abdulrahman Yusuf, confirmed the tragic incident, suggesting that the assailants may have targeted the vigilante leader and followed him to the mosque for the attack. The attack took place while the worshippers were inside the mosque, praying, and was marked by the sound of gunshots.
“Five persons were killed in the mosque, while a driver who brought food items to the village was also killed. The other person was killed at a nearby village.”
The acting Police Public Relations Officer for the Kaduna Police Command, Mansur Alhassan, has also confirmed the attack. He stated that the incident could have been prevented if the villagers had promptly alerted security forces.
Furthermore, Governor Uba Sani, in his condemnation of the attack, has issued orders for security forces to actively pursue and apprehend the individuals responsible for this heinous act, ensuring that they face justice.
Governor Sani went a step further by sending a delegation led by Samuel Aruwan, the Overseer of the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, to offer condolences to the community of Saya-Saya village in Ikara Local Government, where this tragic incident took place.
“The delegation will also carry out an assessment of the security and humanitarian situation in the area and advise the government appropriately,” the statement read.
