Outrage as militants kill 7 soldiers, 28 villagers

By Peters Monday, Abuja

Suspected Islamic militants have killed seven military personnel and 28 villagers with scores injured at Kangon Garacci, in the Dangulbi district of Maru Local Government Area, Zamfara State.

A member of the community, Malam Usman Garacci, said in a telephone conversation with newsmen on Tuesday that the casualties resulted from a fierce gun battle between military personnel and the ravaging terrorists.

The eyewitness said a large numbered of the militants stormed the community at about 4:pm on Monday and started shooting sporadically, and this prompted the quick intervention of military personnel.

“The bandits were led by their kingpin, Ali Kachalla, to attack the community in an attempt to steal cattle. The bandits’ attempts were foiled by the community members who resisted them in a serious fight that led to the killing of 28 villagers,” he added.

Garacci explained that the bandits attacked soldiers attached to the community, killing seven of the military personnel in the ensuing skirmish.

However, the military authorities could not be reached for comment at the time of filing this report.