KADUNA — No fewer than 100 persons have been killed following a midday attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on Sabon-Gari community in Southern Kaduna.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the community on motorbikes, shooting sporadically and causing residents to flee for safety.
The assailants reportedly moved from house to house, killing victims, including children, in what locals described as a massacre.
Local officials confirmed that the death toll had risen above 20, adding that efforts were ongoing to profile the victims.
A community leader, Musa Adamu, who spoke with journalists shortly after the incident said a popular community church, Christ Apostolic Church was set ablaze along with other houses during the attack.
Musa gave the names of some of the victims identified after the attack to include Muhammad Bello, Zuberu John, Zainab Emmanuel, Jethro Adams, Promise Malachi, Danladi Peter, Turaki Abel .
The others are Timothy George, Faith Ahmed, Yesufu Anthony, Tanko Williams, Billy Gaidam, Chichi Ekezie, Mama Ekezie, Musiliu Bayero, Ndidi Ekezie and Favour Adamu
He further added that frantic efforts were underway to identify and profile more victims of the dastardly attack in the coming days .
Adamu alleged that the predominantly Christian community was targeted because of the spread of Christianity in the region as most their victims were mainly males during the attacks .
He said records indicate a pattern of recurring violence against the community adding that several months ago the same community again came under heavy insurgents midnight attack
He added that the community had been left in shock and called for urgent intervention by security agencies to prevent further attacks.
