At least 30 people, including women and children, have been killed after heavily armed gunmen stormed Naridon village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, setting homes ablaze in one of the deadliest attacks to hit Southern Kaduna in recent months. (The Straits Times)
The attackers reportedly invaded the farming community late Sunday night, opening fire indiscriminately before moving from house to house and setting residential buildings and shops on fire. Residents said the assault lasted for several hours, leaving widespread destruction and forcing survivors to flee into nearby bushes. (Sowetan)
According to Dogon Rana, secretary to the village head, 30 deaths have so far been confirmed, including eight children, while at least four people sustained critical injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment. Community leaders warned that the death toll could rise as rescue workers continue to search the area and some victims remain in critical condition. (Punch Newspapers)
Another resident and youth leader, Ishaya Dawa, said the gunmen arrived around midnight and began shooting residents without warning. He said some victims were slaughtered while others were trapped in burning homes, adding that the dead included women, children and elderly residents. Several bodies have since been taken to the mortuary. (The Straits Times)
Survivors said security personnel did not reach the community until daylight, hours after the attackers had fled. Some residents alleged that repeated distress calls during the attack went unanswered, claims that could not be independently verified. (The Straits Times)
The Kaduna State Police Command acknowledged the incident but said it was still gathering details. Police spokesperson Mansur Hassan said an official statement would be issued after preliminary investigations. (The Straits Times)
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, violent raids by armed gangs and other criminal groups have become increasingly common across northwestern and north-central Nigeria, where rural communities continue to face killings, kidnappings and the destruction of property. (The Straits Times)
The latest massacre is expected to renew calls for stronger security measures in Southern Kaduna, a region that has experienced recurring communal violence and attacks by armed groups over the past decade.
As rescue efforts continue, displaced residents have appealed for emergency humanitarian assistance, while local leaders are urging federal and state authorities to deploy additional security personnel to prevent further attacks on vulnerable communities. (Punch Newspapers)
