Peace pact collapses as bandits slaughter seven in Southern Kaduna
A deadly terrorist attack has shattered the fragile peace in Southern Kaduna, claiming the lives of seven people, mostly minors, and leaving eight others critically injured, despite a much-touted peace pact between the Kaduna State government and bandit leaders.
The assault, carried out by heavily armed attackers identified as Fulani marauders, struck the Angwan Rimi community in Kamaru Ward, Kauru Local Government Area, late Sunday night into the early hours of Monday, August 24, 2025.
Mr. Iliya Tata, Public Relations Officer of the Irigwe Development Association, confirmed the attack, sharing graphic images with SaharaReporters’ New York office. “Seven persons have been killed, while eight others sustained gunshot injuries and machete cuts,” Tata stated.
The victims, identified as Jacob Zaka, 12; Magret Mathias, 5; Delight Paul, 1; Sati Markus, 9; Confidence Yakubu, 15; Veronica Paul, 25; and Matthew Sunday, 14, were brutally murdered, while survivors, including Mathew Sunday, 14; Jethro Istifanus, 7; Jackson Istifanus, 5; Emmanuel Morris, 14; Agatha Sylvester, 9; Joy Markus, 9; Devine Paul, 1; and Mary Ishaya, 12, are fighting for their lives with severe injuries.
The Irigwe Development Association condemned the “heinous attack” and urged communities to protect themselves while calling on security agencies to act urgently.
“We appeal to the federal government, Kaduna State government, and Kauru Local Government to intervene by making sure lives of the people and our communities are well protected,” the association stated, appealing for calm during this period of mourning.
The attack has cast a shadow over the Kaduna State government’s “Kaduna Model,” a holistic peace initiative launched in collaboration with federal agencies to address insecurity through dialogue, disarmament, and rural development.
The model involved direct engagement with notorious bandit leaders like Yellow Jambros and Dogo Gide, with around 200 fighters reportedly surrendering and some enrolling in rehabilitation programs. The initiative had shown early promise, with reopened roads like the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari highway and villagers returning to their homes.
However, critics, including Christian leaders, have slammed the pact for its lack of transparency and exclusion of victims, while the Northwest Governors Forum’s prior rejection of negotiations with criminals made Kaduna’s approach contentious.
Governor Uba Sani has defended the “carrot-and-stick” strategy, emphasising peace pursued from strength. Yet, the brutal attack in Angwan Rimi, occurring despite the peace deal, underscores the fragility of these efforts and the persistent threat of banditry in the region.
The Kaduna State Police Command could not be reached for comment, but the incident has reignited calls for stronger security measures to protect vulnerable communities in Southern Kaduna.
