… As Commissioner says Troops repel bandits’ attack, neutralise many on Kaduna-Zaria highway***

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has called for improved security measures to protect the lives and properties of citizens.

A statement issued on Monday in Ile-Ife by Mr Moses Olafare, Director Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, quotes Ogunwusi as making the call following Saturday night attack on Igangan town in Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo state.

The newsmen report that the Palace of the traditional ruler of Igangan, a fuel station, vehicles and some houses were razed by the bandits who invaded the community while no fewer than 11 persons were killed.

Also read: Alaafin, ex-Oyo SSG condemn attack on Igangan community in Oyo

“There is no better time than now for robust security measures, because the security of lives and properties of Nigerians is the basis upon which government is being constituted,” he said.

The traditional ruler condemned the recent midnight attack during which many lives and properties were lost,

He described the attack as devilish and provocative, noting that such dastardly act should not be allowed to continue as not to ruin the unity and prosperity of Nigeria.

“Such an attack in which victims credibly traced some perpetrators from a particular section of the country is capable of disintegrating this country.

“That is why those behind it must be smoked out of their jungles and dealt with accordingly,’ he said.

The Ooni added that such an invasion was the height of criminality which must not go without strong consequences for the perpetrators.

In a related development,  the Kaduna State Government said troops of 4Demo Battalion of the Nigerian Army have repelled an attempted attack by bandits on some locations along  Kaduna-Zaria highway.

According to a statement issued on Monday in Kaduna by the state

Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, several bandits were neutralised by the troops.

Aruwan said: “Troops of the 4Demo Battalion, Nigerian Army have reported to the Kaduna State government that armed bandits were repelled in some locations along the Kaduna-Zaria highway, in Igabi Local Government Area of the state.

“The bandits were reportedly sighted moving toward the highway from Sharu village in the Kerawa area.

“The troops, acting on credible intelligence on the bandits’ movement, laid an ambush and intercepted them at Lambar Zango and Hawan Kwaranza villages.

“At these locations, the bandits were engaged in a fierce firefight and suffered several casualties. ” he said.

He explained that the bandits, having been decisively halted by the troops, retreated hastily via another route and in the process, attacked Dunki village, where they killed two residents.

“An unidentified male traveler was also killed.

“The retreating bandits also raided Mashashiya and Farguza villages, from where they stole some livestock and other valuables.,” he said.

The commissioner said Gov.  Nasir El’Rufai condoled the families of those killed by the retreating bandits and prayed for the repose of their souls.

“The governor thanked the troops for their quick response in thwarting the bandits’ attempted attacks on various soft targets in the area,” Aruwan said.