At least 30 people, including women and children, were killed when suspected bandits attacked Naridom community in Chawai Chiefdom, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The attackers stormed the community in the early hours of Monday, opening fire on residents for more than three hours before withdrawing, according to LEADERSHIP.

Resident Barnabas Musa said the assault began between midnight and 1 a.m. and lasted until about 3 a.m., as terrified residents made frantic calls for help.

“The attack happened in the early hours of this morning. We started receiving calls between 12 a.m. and 1 a.m., and the attack continued for over three hours,” Musa said.

He said the gunmen also set four shops and two houses ablaze during the attack.

Community Mourns as Search for Victims Continues

Another resident, Comrade Friday Ango, confirmed the attack, describing it as one of the worst tragedies the community has faced.

He said the attackers killed about five children belonging to one family, identified as that of a resident named Mr. Emma.

“They wiped out one man’s family. They killed about five of his children,” Ango said.

As of the time of reporting, residents were still recovering bodies from the community, while efforts continued to compile a full list of those killed.

“The names of those killed are still being gathered as people are bringing out the corpses,” Ango added.

He said the attack has thrown Naridom into mourning, with families searching for missing relatives while preparing to bury their loved ones.

Residents have called on security agencies and the Kaduna State Government to strengthen protection across Chawai Chiefdom and other parts of Kauru LGA, which have faced repeated attacks by armed groups in recent years.

As of the time of filing, the Kaduna State Police Command had not issued an official statement, and Police Public Relations Officer DSP Mansir Hassan did not respond to phone calls seeking comment.