At least seven people were killed on Thursday after a violent clash between suspected bandits and illegal miners in Kuyello Ward, Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The fight, which started around 11 a.m., caused panic in the usually quiet community as heavy gunfire forced residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety. Kuyello shares boundaries with Zamfara and Katsina states, both known for frequent cases of banditry and illegal mining.
According to residents, the trouble began when a suspected bandit demanded money from illegal miners operating in the area. The miners reportedly refused to pay, leading to a heated argument that ended with the bandit’s death.
A community leader who lives near the area told Saturday PUNCH that the slain bandit had come from Zamfara State to collect levies from the miners.
“He came demanding payment from the miners as he always did, but this time they refused. An argument broke out and he was killed. They buried his body in a shallow grave,” he said.
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The community leader added that the bandit’s gang members later attacked Kuyello in broad daylight, shooting indiscriminately.
“By the time it ended, seven people were dead, including some of the miners,” he said.
The attack ended nearly a year of relative peace in Birnin Gwari, which had been calm following peacebuilding efforts by the Kaduna State Government.
One resident who fled after the clash blamed illegal mining for the community’s recurring violence.
“We are pleading with the government to stop these illegal miners. They are the reason the bandits keep returning. Every time there is a fight over money or gold, innocent people suffer,” he said.
Another resident added that the incident had brought back fear among locals.
“For some time now, there had been peace because of the reconciliation efforts of the government. But this incident has reopened old wounds. Many people have started leaving their homes again,” he said.
Although the Kaduna State Police Command has not released an official statement, a senior police officer confirmed that security operatives had been deployed to prevent further violence.
“The situation has been brought under control. Security teams are now stationed at the mining site and nearby villages. Some of the assailants from Zamfara have been arrested,” the officer said.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to his phone were not answered as of press time.