Several houses were also razed while properties valued in millions of naira were destroyed by the hoodlums, who stormed the community in a commando-like style.

Not less than twenty persons have been killed as gunmen stormed Sankwab community of the Atyap Chiefdom of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on Saturday night.

Several houses were also razed while properties valued in millions of naira were destroyed by the hoodlums, who stormed the community in a commando-like style.

The Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the attack but was silent on the casualty figures.

However, a source told Punch that the invaders, suspected to be Fulani militia around 10.00 pm Saturday night, stormed the community, shooting indiscriminately at anything in sight, killing at least 20 while the locals scamper for their lives.

But it was learnt that the Swift response from the military in repelling the attacks saved the situation.

The Commissioner while reacting to the latest killings in Southern Kaduna, said the military informed the state government that several lives were lost.

He said in a statement, titled, ‘Several lives lost in Runji village of Zangon Kataf LGA…El-Rufai condemns killings,’ released to newsmen on Sunday, said that preliminary report also informed the state government that the attack left scores of residents injured while an unspecified number of houses were burnt.

The Commissioner quoted the state governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai to have condemned the renewed attack and condoled with victims’ families during the attack.

He said, “The military has informed the Kaduna State Government of an attack in Runji village, Zangon Kataf LGA, in which several lives were lost on Saturday night.

“The preliminary report further informed the government that the attack also left some residents injured and an unspecified number of houses burnt down in the community.

“According to the report, troops had a fierce encounter with the attackers and are still in the general area.

“While waiting for a detailed report, Governor Nasir El-Rufai who received the preliminary report in the early hours of Sunday has condemned the killings as unacceptable and unjustifiable.

“The Governor condoled the families that lost their loved ones and prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

“The Kaduna State Government will update the public on the incident as soon as detailed reports are received from the security agencies.”

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