Tragedy struck late Sunday night in Angwan Rimi community, Kamaru ward of Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, as suspected armed herders carried out a deadly attack that left at least seven people dead, including children, and eight others critically injured.
According to residents who spoke with Zagazola Makama, the assailants invaded the village under the cover of darkness, firing sporadically and setting off panic. The assault left behind a trail of grief, with victims ranging from infants to young teenagers.
The deceased were identified as Jacob Zaka (12), Felicia Francis (30), Magret Mathias (5), Veronica Paul (25), Delight Paul (1), Confidence Yakubu (15), and Sati Markus (9).
Those injured include Mathew Sunday (14), Jethro Istafanus (7), Jackson Istafanus (5), Emmanuel Morris (14), Agatha Sylvester (9), Joy Markus (9), Devine Paul (6 months), and Mary Ishaya (12). They are currently receiving treatment at nearby medical facilities, where doctors say some remain in critical condition.
Residents of Angwan Rimi condemned the killings, describing the attack as “wicked and inhuman.” Community leaders and the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Kamaru Branch, have called on both the state and federal governments to act decisively to halt the escalating violence.
“We sympathize with the families that lost their loved ones and pray for the quick recovery of the injured. We call on the Federal Government, Kaduna State Government, and Kauru Local Government to intervene to protect lives and property,” the association said in a statement.
The group also urged villagers to remain calm during the mourning period, assuring them that security agencies had been alerted.
This latest violence comes against the backdrop of rising insecurity in Kaduna State. Analysts had earlier warned of renewed attacks after the assassination of Musa Kachallah, a repentant bandit leader who had renounced violence but was killed on August 16. His death is believed to have sparked retaliatory raids by rival groups unhappy with the state’s controversial amnesty program.
So far, the Kaduna State Government has not issued an official response. Security experts have called for heightened surveillance in vulnerable areas such as Chikun, Kauru, Giwa, Makarfi (along the Zaria–Kano highway), and Kajuru, which have been repeatedly targeted in recent months.
Meanwhile, families in Angwan Rimi are preparing mass burials for the victims, while survivors and displaced residents continue to grapple with fear of further attacks.
