Twelve traders are feared dead following an attack by bandits in broad daylight at the Maro Junction market in Maro Ward, Kajuru LGA of Kaduna State.
The attack occurred at approximately 3:45pm on Wednesday, catching traders and villagers off guard while they were engrossed in their daily activities.
It was gathered that the bandits entered the market and began shooting indiscriminately, resulting in multiple casualties, primarily males, lying in pools of blood.
Mr Reuben Maro, a community leader, confirmed the harrowing incident, noting that the injured victims were taken to Royal Hospital and General Hospital, Kachia, for medical attention.
Maro recounted the terrifying moments of hearing gunshots from the market and witnessing youths rushing to the scene, only to discover the tragic aftermath.
“While no kidnappings were reported during the attack, soldiers arrived after the bandits fled. However, the attackers left about 12 people in a pool of blood when our youths approached them,” Maro said.
He added that the bandits appeared to have come from the Banin Kanwa forest, further highlighting the vulnerability of the area to such attacks.
Efforts to gather more details from the Divisional Police Officer were unsuccessful.
However, ASP Mansir Hassan, the state Police Public Relations Officer assured that further information would be provided as soon as it is available.