Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has announced the relocation of Garrison Commander of the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Ismaila Isa, and the state’s Commissioner of Police, Agyole Abeh, to the southern part of the state.

Unknown gunmen in a coordinated attack invaded Bakin Kogi, Kaninkon Village in Jemaa Local Government Area in the State on Sunday at about 5:30 p.m.

The Governor who spoke through a statement by Samuel Aruwan his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity on Monday in Kaduna said the relocation of the army commander and the CP is to enable them coordinate a determined response to renewed attacks by armed bandits on communities in Kaura and Jema’a local government areas.

“This is clearly a wicked, evil and devilish act being perpetrated by enemies of peace and humanity,” he said.

He said the situation has been brought under control by this afternoon, but security operations continue.

He also extended his condolence to the families of the victims of the renewed Sunday attacks.

The governor assured them that the government is fully committed to securing the area, with the active support of the army and the police.

Mr El-Rufai added that the two battalions of the army and the 10 mobile police squadrons are engaging the bandits, as the state carries out its obligations to secure the area, protect lives and rout these armed bandits.

The governor said that despite these difficulties and the pain of the attacks, this is not the time to give the bandits the pleasure of seeing victims turn on each other.

“I also wish to commend our gallant soldiers and police personnel, who are defending our communities. The Kaduna State Government will continue to work assiduously with security agencies towards the protection of life and property,” the governor was quoted to have said.

He called for support for the army and the security agencies as they work to repel attacks and crush the bandits.

“They were repulsed by Operation Yaki Surveillance Patrol Teams and Operation Harmony Patrol Teams.

“Further attacks were recorded today in Kaura local government. Fatalities were recorded and some houses were burnt in the attacks.

“I have been in touch with the security agencies and I have been studiously following the situation in Jema’a and Kaura Local Government Areas over the unfortunate attacks.

“I want to, first of all, extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and relations that lost their loved ones and properties in these unfortunate attacks.

“My prayers and support equally goes to citizens that sustained injuries and are traumatised by what they witnessed,” the governor said.

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