Seventeen people have been killed in renewed gun attacks across Kaduna and Plateau states, throwing several communities into mourning once again.
In Kaduna State, seven residents of Damakasuwa community in Chawai Chiefdom, Kauru Local Government Area, were shot dead when heavily armed gunmen invaded the area on Friday night.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers struck around 8 p.m., firing indiscriminately and forcing villagers to flee into the bush. The gunfire reportedly continued for several minutes without an immediate response from security forces.
The Paramount Chief of Chawai, Alhaji Yahaya Muhammad, confirmed the incident, saying five people died instantly while two others later succumbed to their injuries. He said calm had been restored after military personnel arrived in the area.
“We have urged our people to remain calm and allow the security agencies to handle the situation and bring the attackers to justice,” the chief said.
A youth leader, Barnabas Chawai, described the horror of the night, saying the gunmen opened fire on residents who were either about to sleep or relaxing after the day’s work.
“They came unexpectedly. Six people were killed on the spot, and one victim with a throat wound was rushed to Jos for treatment,” he said.
A Southern Kaduna community leader also confirmed the killings, though he asked not to be named, saying the situation remained tense.
Security agencies had not issued any official statement as of press time. Efforts to reach the Kaduna Police Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, were unsuccessful as calls and text messages to his phone went unanswered.
Residents have appealed to the Kaduna State Government and security operatives to intensify patrols and surveillance to prevent further attacks in the volatile area.
Kauru Local Government, located in southern Kaduna, has remained one of the flashpoints of violence, with recurring cases of banditry and communal clashes claiming dozens of lives over the years.
In Plateau State, 10 people were killed in separate attacks between Friday and Saturday. Seven were reportedly gunned down in Kwi community, Riyom Local Government Area, while three others were killed in Pushit community, Mangu Local Government Area.
A community leader, Rwang Tengwon, confirmed the Riyom attack, blaming it on suspected Fulani militia. “Seven people were killed on Friday night. Another person was shot on his farm on Saturday afternoon, and another attack followed later that night,” he said.
The Mwaghavul Development Association also confirmed the Pushit killings. Its Director of Public Affairs, Friday Derwan, condemned the attacks and called on security agencies to act swiftly.
“We call on the authorities in Plateau State to rise to the challenge and protect innocent lives from these unprovoked assaults,” Derwan said.
Police spokesman in Plateau, Alabo Alfred, could not be reached for comment as his phone remained switched off.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang recently announced restrictions on night grazing, cattle transportation after 7 p.m., and motorcycle movement between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. as part of measures to curb the escalating insecurity.