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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Kaduna State government has debunked report by sections of the media that the attack carried on some communities in Kajuru local government area of the State was an aerial attack by terrorists.
Earlier report said large number of terrorists on motorcycles had attacked some communities in Kajuru, killing 25 residents penultimate Sunday, while the death toll rose to 32 as at last Wednesday.
The natives had alleged that terrorists used helicopter to killed innocent persons from aerial attack.
However, in a statement reacting to media report, the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan said it was Nigeria Airforce (NAF) helicopter that was deployed to the troubled areas and engaged the terrorists.
Aruwan said NAF helicopter under Operation Whirl Punch had earlier scanned the first two locations and sighted burnt houses and property on fire.
He challenged those peddling report of a helicopter aiding bandits in the killing of innocent citizens to present their accounts to the State government backed by facts.
“The Kaduna State Government received initial reports from security agencies, that bandits attacked the villages of Dogon Noma, Ungwan Sarki and Ungwan Maikori in Kajuru local government area on Sunday.
“According to the reports, the bandits stormed the area in large numbers on motorcycles, and proceeded to raze several houses, as they attacked and killed locals.
“An Air Force helicopter (under Operation Whirl Punch) despatched to the area, had earlier scanned the first two locations and sighted burnt houses and property on fire.
“The helicopter intercepted the bandits at the last location (Ungwan Maikori) and engaged them as they retreated, before the arrival of ground troops to the general area.
“It was the arrival of the air asset which deterred the bandits from further attacks on the citizens in the village, after the bandits had already killed one local and burnt several houses.
“The story that a helicopter provided air support to the bandits against the locals, is therefore an untrue account.
“The Government of Kaduna State having gone through all the facts, finds it regrettable that a section of media would circulate an unverified report, insensitive to its implications on national security, law and order.
“Eyewitnesses to the peddled report of a helicopter aiding bandits in the killing of innocent citizens are invited to present their accounts to the Government backed by incontrovertible facts.
“The military, police and other agencies working in the general area deserve commendation and motivation, rather than demoralising allegations.
“In the last 72 hours, security forces have conducted vigorous operations in the same general area, and are on the trail of a wounded notable terrorist.
‘Similarly, several kidnapped victims, including an expatriate kidnapped at a mining site, were rescued after a fierce engagement with bandits.
“Since the attack on Sunday, security agencies and traditional leaders in the locations have been updating the government on the development.
“As of the time of this report, 32 persons have been confirmed dead following the attacks.
“While the Government mourned the gruesome killing and burning of houses in the attacked locations, a report was published suggesting that the victims of the attack were killed by terrorists using a helicopter.
“The Kaduna State Government wishes to make a clarification based on reports received since Sunday. The bandits attacked the first two locations and killed 31 citizens. They then headed into Ungwan Maikori, where they killed one person and burnt some houses.
“Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i, on receiving reports of the attack, expressed deep sadness and prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls. He also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims”. The statement said.
