A tragic incident has rocked Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following a deadly attack by armed bandits on Thursday evening.

Residents confirmed that the gunmen launched a coordinated assault on Layin Danauta village in Kuyello Ward, surrounding the area and blocking all entry and exit routes while firing sporadically.

According to local sources, nine bodies were recovered after the attackers retreated around 7 p.m., while about 13 injured persons were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Several villagers were also reportedly abducted during the onslaught.

A resident of Birnin Gwari town described the attack as “well-coordinated and terrifying,” noting that many villagers fled into the bush to escape the onslaught.

Efforts to continue search and rescue operations on Thursday night were suspended due to darkness and fears that the bandits might still be lurking in the area.

Authorities and local vigilantes are expected to resume the search on Friday morning to ascertain the full extent of the casualties and damage.

Meanwhile, the recovered bodies are set for burial today (Friday), either before or shortly after the Friday congregational prayers.