Several killed in attack by gunmen in northwest Nigeria's Kaduna State: Police

By Olanrewaju Kola

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - Authorities confirmed Wednesday that several people were killed by gunmen in three days of attacks on two communities in Nigeria's northwestern Kaduna State.

The police spokesman for Kaduna State, Muhammed Jalige, said in a statement that the chief of police visited Malagum and Sokwong in Kagoro, Kaura Local Government, where the attack took place.

"The Commissioner of Police undertook an on-the-spot assessment tour of the scenes of the recent dastardly attack which led to several deaths, the torching and destruction of houses and other assets," he said in a statement without disclosing the number of casualties.

He did, however, assure the communities of police protection.

Gunmen launched attacks on the communities Monday into Tuesday after assaulting the area last weekend, the head of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna State, Rev. Joseph Hayab, told Anadolu Agency.

"The gunmen opened fire on the people in their houses while sleeping. We are burying 38 people, including women and children on Thursday," he said.

Hayab said the injured were receiving treatment while survivors have relocated to a nearby village where they have taken refuge and will get help.

Community leader Luka Binniyat said the gunmen burned 100 houses, foodstuffs and livestock during the attack which left the communities with greater hunger.

Gunmen attacks have been on the rise in Nigeria's northwest states with dozens of residents killed and communities destroyed.

Authorities often respond with the deployment of security personnel.