A total of 446 people have lost their lives in Kaduna State over banditry, terrorism, and communal clashes from April to September 2022.

The figure comprised 285 killed in the 2nd Quarter of the year and 161 who lost their lives in the 3rd Quarter.

The Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, revealed the figure when he presented the 2022 2nd and 3rd Quarter Report on security to Governor Nasir El-Rufai in Kaduna on Friday.

Aruwan stated that 985 persons were kidnapped during the period under review across the state, with 804 of the number kidnapped in the 3rd quarter, while five persons each were raped in the 2nd and 3rd quarter.

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The commissioner said 258 persons were injured in the 2nd quarter and 156 in the 3rd quarter, while 5,999 and 1, 133 animals were rustled in the two quarters, respectively.

Aruwan, however, said a total of 74 AK-47 rifles, five locally made rifles, 5,398 live ammunition, and 11 pump action magazines were intercepted between April and September in the state.

The commissioner added that 168 bandits were neutralised by troops within the period with 59 killed in the 2nd quarter and 109 in the 3rd quarter.

He warned that the activities of bandits have adversely impacted farming activities including livestock production.

Aruwan noted that it was important to block the flow of illicit drugs that were fueling the criminals, adding that the main sources of funding for the bandits were ransoms from kidnapped hostages, gun running, and leasing of weapons to groups who lacked the capacity to acquire weapons.

He said the state government will continue to strengthen its intelligence network to remain ahead of the criminals.

The Star