Some bandits in the early hours of Tuesday invaded a mosque at the Sabon Layi, Kakangi ward in Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing two worshippers with two others sustaining varying degrees of injury.
It was learnt that the bandits stormed the mosque located at the Ga Allah Babba area of the Sabin Layi, killing the Imam and one other worshipper.
The slain Imam of the mosque was identified as Malam Mamuda and the worshipper as Kabir.
Two other worshippers who sustained serious injuries from the attack are Malam Bilya Mairabo and Ashiru Mairabo.
The duo were said to be receiving medical attention at the at Jibrin Maigwari General Hospital, Birnin-Gwari.
A community leader, Malam Zubair Idris AbduRrauf told The PUNCH on the telephone that the incident occurred during the early morning prayers period around 5.00am.
AbduRrauf, who holds the title of Danmasanin of Birnin-Gwari, added that
the bandits attacked Birnin-Gwari communities almost on a daily basis, killing and abducting residents, especially farmers.
He added that the situation was more worrisome on Birnin-Gwari-Kaduna highway and has become a nightmare for travellers and other road users.
He said,”Yes, an Imam of a mosque and two other worshippers were killed during the which occurred around 5:00am on Tuesday. Two other worshippers are at the Jibrin Maigwari General Hospital, Birnin-Gwari.
“The attack took place at Ga Allah Babba of Sabon Layi, an agrarian community in the Western part of Birnin-Gwari. These are areas neighbouring the Kamuku National Park and the Kuyebana Forest in Zamfara and Niger states.
“We are in a precarious situation in Birnin-Gwari. Even the Kaduna – Birnin-Gwari highway, people are being escorted by either security personnel or the vigilante. Two days ago, the bandits killed two people coming back from Kaduna.
“The bandits attack is on a daily basis. Security personnel are really trying their best to see that the attacks are being curtailed. But we need a change of strategy from them(security personnel).”
There was no official confirmation from either the state government or the state police command as of the time of filing this report.
When contacted, the state Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan told our correspondent on the telephone that he was driving. “I am driving and when I stop, I will get back to you.”
(2)…Insecurity: Flights resume at Kaduna Airport after months of suspension
Flights operation have resumed at the Hassan Usman Katsina International Airport, Kaduna, following months of suspension as result of security threat.
The PUNCH reported that the government of Malam Nasir El-Rufai had in March, 2022, confirmed terrorists attack on the Kaduna International Airport
The terrorists numbering over 200 took over the airport thereby preventing the take-off of an aircraft.
The development had forced passengers on the Lagos-Kaduna route to either land in Kano or Abuja and travel to Kaduna by road.
However, on Monday evening, the arrival of Air Peace flight ERJ-145, which landed at the Airport at exactly 5:10 pm, marked the resumption of flights to the route.
The development excited passengers with expression of happiness on their faces, while calling on the government and other relevant agencies to ensure that the Kaduna Airport remain functional.
The Airport Manager, Adamu Sheikh,
while speaking to newsmen shortly after the Air Peace Flight landed, said more airlines were set to commence operations to the state.
According to him, adequate security has been put in place for aircraft landing and take off.
“More airlines are coming back and we are prepared. We have the cooperation of all the security agencies. Everybody wants this airport to function. So, all stakeholders are rallying round us to ensure that, this airport is safe for aircraft landing and take-off,” he said.
The Air Peace Kaduna Station Manager, Fatima Ndayako, said the Airline returned to the Kaduna route due to persistent request from their customers in dire need of their service along the route.
She assured their teeming customers that the airline would have daily operation to and fro Kaduna and Lagos.
It was learnt that the state governor, Senator Uba Sani facilitated the return of flight operations in the state after meeting with airline executives in Abuja.
The governor also held meetings with the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, top-ranking military officers among others. ENDS…
