Gunmen Kill 20 in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Unknown gunmen early sunday morning opened fire on people leaving a Mosque after morning prayers in a remote village called Dogo Dawa in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna, killing several people.

The gunmen also embarked on a house to house search in the area, shooting and stabbing people to death.
The Kaduna state police commissioner, Olufemi Adenaike confirmed the incident and said troops have been deployed to the area.Villagers said at least 20 bodies were counted after the attack.

He said: “On 14/10/2012 at about 0530hrs, a suspected gang of armed bandits, numbering about 10, stormed Dogon Dawa village, killing 20 persons. Information had it that a few of the victims were returning from their morning prayers while the rest were attacked in their various homes.”

He said: “The command swung into action by mobilising a unit of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel and conventional operatives to the scene, where all the exits were properly manned by the police and army as hunt for the perpetrators is in top gear. Meanwhile investigation has commenced and security presence maintained”

Adenaike added: “Some members of the vigilance group from Dogon Dawa village went to Kuyello village, arrested four persons suspected to be members of a notorious gang terrorising their areas and took them to Dogon Dawa village for questioning.”

An Army officer said: “It is a clear case of armed robbery.”

Lt. Col. Sani Usman added: “The last time I spoke with my (contact) in the area, he said it was 20 people dead.”