On Thursday night, two communities in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna state witnessed horrific attacks by bandits and herdsmen that left three people dead and a Catholic parish burnt.
According to NAN, bandits stormed the residence of the Catholic Parish priest in Kamantan, where they killed Stephen Naman, a seminarian who was hiding in the toilet.
The priest and his colleague managed to flee from the house before the bandits arrived. The community fought back and killed one of the bandits, but the attackers retaliated by setting the parish on fire. Naman died from smoke inhalation while trying to escape from the flames.
In Sabon Kaura, suspected herdsmen raided a farm owned by a local resident. They confessed to the crime when they were summoned by the community leader, who ordered them to pay a fine as compensation.
However, the herdsmen returned later that night and killed two people in the community.
The Kaduna police command confirmed the incidents and said they were investigating the matter. Mansir Alhassan, the acting spokesperson, told NAN that they were working to restore peace and security in the area.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna state condemned the attacks and expressed their dismay at the burning of the Catholic parish in Kamantan.
Joseph Hayab, the state chairman of CAN, said in a statement2 that the attack was disheartening and shocking. He pointed out that the parish was close to a military checkpoint on the Kaduna-Kafanchan highway, and questioned how such an attack could happen without intervention.
He urged the state government and other stakeholders to take swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further violence. He also called for prayers and support for the victims and their families.
The attacks in Zangon Kataf LGA are part of a larger problem of insecurity and violence in Kaduna state and other parts of Nigeria.
Bandits and herdsmen have been terrorizing rural communities for years, kidnapping, killing, and looting with impunity. The government has been struggling to contain the situation and protect the lives and properties of its citizens.
