Death toll feared 30 as terrorists killed residents in Kaduna community

By Zagazola Makama

The death toll from the overnight terrorist attack on Naridon Village in Kamaru Ward of Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State has risen sharply, with local sources fearing that more than 30 residents were killed in one of the deadliest attacks recorded in the area in recent months.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attackers stormed the community at about midnight on July 27, opening fire indiscriminately on sleeping villagers before setting houses and shops ablaze.

The victims included men, women and children, while several others sustained gunshot wounds during the attack.

Local community leaders compiled a list identifying at least 28 victims by name, while efforts were still ongoing to account for other missing persons, raising fears that the death toll could exceed 30.

Three injured survivors were identified as Comfort Monday, Success Monday and James Emmanuel. They are currently receiving medical treatment.

The attackers also set fire to the residence of Mr. Hosea Garba and destroyed several provision shops belonging to Emmanuel Garba, Luka Ahmadu, Monday Markus and Dogo Rana.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 7 of Operation Enduring Peace 

, responded to a distress call at about 2:45 a.m. after receiving reports of the attack.

The sources said the troops engaged the attackers in a firefight, forcing them to withdraw from the village.

An earlier military assessment confirmed 15 civilian fatalities, including children and a local vigilante, with five others injured. However, subsequent checks by local authorities and residents indicated that the casualty figure was significantly higher as more bodies were recovered from houses and surrounding areas after the attackers fled.

Security forces have since intensified pursuit operations to track down the perpetrators and prevent further attacks, while additional security measures have been put in place to reassure residents of the affected community.

Authorities are expected to conduct further assessments as efforts continue to verify the final casualty figure and provide relief to affected families.