Banditry: Gunmen Kill Imam, Community Leader In Kaduna

BY VICTOR BUORO – In what has now become a usual occurrence, unknown gunmen again invaded Kawaran Rafi village in Igabi local government area of Kaduna state killing the Chief Imam of the village, one Danleeman Isah.

Also sent to an early grave by the armed bandits is a Community leader, the Sarkin Yaki of Godogodo, Mr Yohanna Abu.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs in Kaduna State, Samuel Aruwan, who confirmed the ugly incident, said the bandits directly attacked Isah’s residence and shot him dead in what appeared to be a pre-meditated murder.

Aruwan said in a statement that the unknown gunmen thereafter left the location without taking any item or hostages.

According to him, “The murder of the Imam has been linked to his vocal stance against the killing and kidnapping of citizenry by bandits.

“It is of a similar ilk to the killing of Ardo Musa Layi of Kajuru local government, who was kidnapped and killed by armed bandits in October 2020 for his advocacy against killing, kidnapping and cattle rustling.”

He also claimed that the recent incident is liken to the shooting of Ardo Ahmadu Suleiman by bandits at Kasuwan Magani, Kajuru local government, leaving him with bullet wounds.

Aruwan’s statement further said; “In another development, security agencies have reported the murder of the Sarkin Yaki of Godogodo, Mr Yohanna Abu, by a gang of kidnappers.

“According to the report, the gunmen attacked Nisama village in Jema’a local government area late on Friday night, and abducted Mr Abu along with another resident, Mr Charles Audu.

“A struggle ensued between the duo and the kidnappers, and while Mr Audu was able to escape, the kidnappers shot Mr Abu dead.

“Five persons have been arrested in connection with the killing, as security agencies continued to investigate the incident.”

Conveying the state government’s condolences to the people, the commissioner said; “Governor Nasir el-Rufai have expressed sadness over the development, praying for the repose of the souls of the slain cleric and community leader, as he conveyed his heartfelt condolences to their families.”