By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Armed Forces of Nigeria is to Investigate the attack on three empty houses and a Church building at Kabarasha Village, Kaduna State, during a joint clearance operation.
The properties were partially damaged during the operation, involving troops of Operations “Thunder Strike” and “Whirl Punch” with air support from the Air Component of Operation “Gama Aiki” to rid the state of armed bandits and other criminal elements.
Major-General John Enenche,
Coordinator, Defence Media Operations,
Defence Headquarters in a statement, said the attack was on suspected bandits’ hideouts around Mashigi Galbi, Damba Community and Kabarasha Villlages all in Gwagwada District of Chikun Local Government Area in Kaduna State.
17 armed bandits were killed, while several others escaped with gun shot wounds during the raid, the DMO said.
Enenche expressed regrets of the Armed Forces over the incident.
“A panel has been set up to investigate the occurrence in liaison with the Kaduna State Government. The buildings have been identified with a view to providing adequate compensation to the owners,” he said.
“Meanwhile, calm has been restored to the area. Few people, who initially fled the area due to fear of bandits’ reprisal attack, have all returned to the Community.
“The High Command of the Armed Forces of Nigeria hereby reassure the general public that it will continue to work assiduously to restore peace and security to the North West. It equally thanks the general public for their support and cooperation, while encouraging them to continue to provide credible information that will facilitate the operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he added.
