By Safiyat Muhammed | The Bureau News
A fresh wave of violence has rocked Southern Kaduna, where seven people, mostly children, were killed during a deadly terrorist attack in the early hours of Monday, despite a peace pact between the Kaduna State government and notorious bandit leaders.
Night of Terror in Angwan Rimi
According to community leaders, heavily armed attackers stormed Angwan Rimi in Kamaru Ward, Kauru Local Government Area, late Sunday night, unleashing violence that left several dead and many more wounded.
Mr. Iliya Tata, Public Relations Officer 1 of the Irigwe Development Association, confirmed the incident and condemned the brutality.
“Seven persons have been killed, while eight others sustained gunshot injuries and machete cuts,” Tata said.
The victims, identified by community leaders, include:
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Jacob Zaka, 12
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Magret Mathias, 5
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Delight Paul, 1
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Sati Markus, 9
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Confidence Yakubu, 15
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Veronica Paul, 25
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Matthew Sunday, 14
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Felicia Francis, 15
Meanwhile, eight other residents, including children as young as one, are critically injured and receiving treatment.
Community and Leadership Response
The Irigwe Development Association strongly condemned the killings, urging security agencies to take urgent measures to protect vulnerable communities in Southern Kaduna.
“We appeal to the Federal Government, Kaduna State government, and Kauru Local Government to intervene and ensure that the lives of our people are well protected,” the association said.
They also encouraged residents to remain calm during this period of mourning, while expressing hope that security forces will restore confidence in the affected areas.
Kaduna Peace Pact Under Scrutiny
The attack comes at a sensitive time when the Kaduna State government, under Governor Uba Sani, has launched the Kaduna Model — a peace initiative involving dialogue with prominent bandit leaders, including Yellow Jambros and Dogo Gide.
The government claims that over 200 fighters have surrendered, with some joining rehabilitation programs. Roads such as the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari highway, once notorious for ambushes, were reopened as part of the progress under the pact.
However, critics argue that the deal lacks transparency and ignores the voices of victims. Christian leaders and stakeholders have raised concerns about negotiating with individuals accused of mass killings and kidnappings.
The Northwest Governors Forum had earlier rejected negotiations with criminals, making Kaduna’s decision to pursue dialogue a controversial departure.
Governor Uba Sani defended the peace pact as a “carrot-and-stick” strategy, insisting that sustainable peace requires both force and reconciliation.
