30 feared killed in Southern Kaduna attack as residents flee Chawai community

Fresh violence has erupted in Southern Kaduna, Nigeria, with at least 30 people reportedly killed in an overnight attack on the Chawai community in Kauru Local Government Area. The attack, which lasted several hours on Sunday night, has forced residents to flee their homes amid fears of further violence.

A resident of Kauru, Mark Vincent, told the BBC Hausa Service that attackers invaded the community at nightfall, moving from house to house. He stated that 28 bodies were deposited in a mortuary, with two victims already buried. Seven others sustained gunshot injuries and are receiving hospital treatment. Vincent rejected reports suggesting the incident was a clash between farmers and herders, insisting the victims were attacked in their homes by approximately 50 armed men who operated for nearly three hours.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the killings as "heartbreaking and unacceptable," emphasizing the urgent need for stronger nationwide security measures. He criticized what he called misplaced attention by senior government officials on unverified commendations, stating that ending insecurity and restoring peace should be the immediate priority. Abubakar urged authorities to prioritize the protection of lives and property.

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The attack, which reportedly lasted several hours on Sunday night, has sparked condemnation from former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and the Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union (SOKAPU), who called for immediate action by security agencies to stop the recurring violence.

The Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union (SOKAPU) also called for urgent security intervention, urging the Kaduna State Police Command to strengthen operations in Southern Kaduna to curb killings, kidnappings, and destruction of farmlands. In an open letter to the Commissioner of Police, SOKAPU President Engr. Tabara Samuel Kato highlighted the worsening security situation in Kauru, Kajuru, Chikun, and Zangon Kataf local government areas, noting that reported attacks have increased fear, displaced families, and threatened farming activities.

As of the time of filing this report, the casualty figures and attack details could not be independently verified, and the Kaduna State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement. Residents of Kauru and neighboring communities have reportedly fled to safer locations due to fears of further attacks.

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The killings were “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” saying the repeated attacks on communities showed the urgent need for stronger security measures nationwide.