Kaduna Govt Confirms Terrorist Attack, Denies Helicopter’s Involvement

The Kaduna State government has confirmed the killing of 32 persons by gunmen in four communities in the state.

This was made known by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, who denied reports that the attacks were launched or aided by a helicopter gunship.

The commissioner said, “The Kaduna State Government received initial reports from security agencies that bandits attacked the villages.

“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.

“Since the attack, 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 attack.

“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.

“An Air Force helicopter (under Operation Whirl Stroke) dispatched to the area had earlier scanned the first two locations and sighted burnt houses and properties on fire.

“The helicopter intercepted the bandits at the last location 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, untrue.

“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.”