UPDATED: Death toll in Kaduna bandit attack rises to 38

By our reporter/ The death toll from three separate attacks in villages in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State has risen to 38.

The State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, who made the disclosure in an update on Sunday evening, named the three villages involved in the attack as Kauran Fawa, Marke and Riheya.

Gunmen were said to have invaded the villages between Saturday and Sunday morning and opened fire on the innocent villagers.

Several houses, trucks, and cars were also burnt, along with agricultural produce at various farms.

Aruwan, however, stated that security operatives have been deployed to sustain patrols in the general area.

Earlier on Sunday, the state government had said that not less than 20 persons were killed in an attack by bandits on several villages in Giwa LGA.

According to a statement by Samuel Aruwan, the state commissioner for internal security and home affairs, the attacks were reported to the state government by the military and police authorities.

The bandits, the report said, attacked Kauran Fawa, Marke and Riheya villages in Idasu, Giwa LGA, leaving more than 20 residents dead.

“Houses, trucks, and cars were also burnt, along with agricultural produce at various farms,” the statement reads.

“Governor Nasir El-Rufai received the reports with sadness and sent condolences to the families of the victims of the brutal attacks while praying for the repose of their souls.

“The Governor also commiserated with the affected communities and directed the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency to conduct an urgent assessment of the area towards providing relief.

“The identities of the victims will be published once further details are confirmed by the Kaduna State Government. In the meantime, security agencies have sustained patrols in the general area.”