Peace Pact Shattered: Armed Attackers Kill Seven in Midnight Raid on Southern Kaduna

A deadly attack has left seven people dead and eight others injured in Southern Kaduna, despite a recent peace pact between the Kaduna State government and bandit leaders in the region.

Heavily armed assailants stormed Angwan Rimi community in Kamaru Ward, Kauru Local Government Area, late Sunday night into the early hours of Monday, opening fire and attacking residents with machetes. Most of the victims were minors.

Community leader and Public Relations Officer of the Irigwe Development Association, Mr. Iliya Tata, confirmed the attack, describing it as another brutal assault on innocent villagers. Graphic images of the aftermath were shared with SaharaReporters’ New York office.

“Seven persons have been killed, while eight others sustained gunshot injuries and machete cuts,” he said.

The Irigwe Development Association condemned the killings, urging residents to remain vigilant and calling on security agencies to urgently protect vulnerable communities. The organisation also released the names of some of the victims, including children as young as one, five, and seven years old.

The Kaduna State government has in recent months promoted what it calls the “Kaduna Model,” a peace initiative involving direct engagement with notorious bandit leaders. The program, which included promises of disarmament, rehabilitation, and rural development, saw over 200 fighters reportedly surrender their weapons. Some major highways were reopened, and displaced villagers began returning to their communities.

Despite these efforts, critics have raised concerns over the transparency of the peace process and the exclusion of victims from discussions. Religious leaders and community representatives have also warned that negotiating with warlords accused of mass killings and kidnappings could undermine justice for victims.

Governor Uba Sani has defended the pact, describing it as a “carrot-and-stick” strategy aimed at achieving peace from a position of strength.