Policeman, 42 others killed in fresh Kajuru, Sokoto attacks

A total of 43 persons were on Tuesday shot dead following renewed attacks on seven communities in Kaduna and Sokoto states by gunmen.

Twenty-seven persons, including a policeman, were allegedly killed in four communities in Kajuru and Kachia local government areas of Kaduna while 16 were gunned down in Dalijan, Rakkoni and Kalhu communities in Rabah LGA in Sokoto.

A source told one of our correspondents that 27 bodies were recovered from Karamai, Gidan Gajere, Gidan Auta and Chibiya, all in Maro, a border town between Kajuru and Kachia LGAs.

It was also learnt that two police inspectors are still missing after the attacks.

It was learnt that security officials were immediately deployed in the villages where the bodies were recovered from.

One of our correspondents learnt that over 40 homes were razed in the villages by the gangsters.

A source told one of our correspondents that many villagers had fled their homes following the latest attacks.

No fewer than 130 persons were allegedly killed when unknown gunmen attacked Kajuru communities two weeks ago.

Meanwhile, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal on Tuesday confirmed that 16 persons were killed by bandits in Rabah LGA on Monday night.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that banditry has claimed 81 lives in the state since last year.