*Engages Gunmen In Shootout
*Kidnappers Move Abductees To Unknown Destination
*Exodus Hits Community
*Mum’s The Word From Police
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
There was renewed violent attack in Kaduna State as gunmen stormed Bagodo village, behind the popular Jaruwa community, along New Road, also known as Yakowa Way, on the outskirts of Kaduna, the State capital.
The attackers were said to have targeted a particular resident who was reportedly not at home at the time of the incident.
It could not be ascertained why the gunmen zeroed in on the particular, unidentified resident.
Eyewitnesses told our correspondent that the gunmen shot sporadically into the air on arrival and even pulled down the fences of some buildings in an attempt to gain entry and abduct occupants.
According to residents, an attempt to abduct a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) who resides in the area, was met with stiff resistance as he reportedly exchanged gunfire with them, leaving the attackers scrambling to flee the scene as they did not expect any armed resistance in the area.
Sources said some residents, whose identities were yet to be ascertained, were however, allegedly abducted from their homes and taken away by the gunmen to an unknown destination.
The attack has triggered an exodus from the community with many residents fleeing to neighbouring communities for fear of a followup round of violence and possible bloodletting.
A resident, who contacted our correspondent and spoke on condition of anonymity, said he was searching for an apartment in Ungwan Boro to rent for his relatives who relocated to the area from Bagodo.
Other sources told People&Politics that some fleeing residents relocated to Barnawa to squat with family members.
“My relation managed to build his personal house there (Bagodo), but is now afraid to stay there with his wife and two kids for fear of bandits’ invasion,” a source said, alleging that such attacks are rising now in the area.
Spokesman of the State Police Command, Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Mansir Hassan did not respond to calls to give us the police angle, before press time.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Some terrorists/kidnappers…File photo.
