Death Toll In Kaduna Attack Rises To 45

The death toll from the violence unleased on Birnin Gwari local government area of Kaduna state on Saturday has risen to 45.

The Kaduna state police commissioner, Austin Iwar, made the disclosure while briefing newsmen in the state on Sunday.

The ugly incident occurred less than 48 hours after Ibrahim Idris, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) deployed additional 200 police personnel to the community when he visited

But the increased police presence did not prevent Saturday’s attack, which occurred around 2:30pm.

Many houses were reportedly set ablaze by the bandits, who continue to carry out similar attacks in parts of the state.

Reacting to the development, Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, commiserated with the people of Birnin Gwari, noting that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of a permanent army battalion in the local government.

“The Kaduna state government has received with sadness reports of the murder of our citizens by armed bandits in Birnin Gwari. The government has sent a message of condolence to the people of Birnin Gwari Emirate,” he said in a statement issued on his behalf by Samuel Aruwan, his spokesman.

“Kaduna state government is deeply committed to overcoming the unfortunate criminality and banditry being carried out against innocent citizens in Birnin Gwari local government.

“The engagements between the state and federal governments have yielded results. President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of a permanent battalion of the Nigerian Army in the Birnin Gwari general area.

“The new security arrangements also involve policing. The Inspector General of Police has already announced the creation of the Birnin Gwari Police Area Command and two new Divisional Police Headquarters.

“The State Emergency Management Agency, has also been directed to provide relief materials with immediate effect to the affected communities.”