Villagers from Old Kuyello village, under the Birnin Gwari local government area of Kaduna State, have fled their homes following an outbreak of a clash between bandits and Ansaru militants in the area.
According to reports, the villagers fled as bandits took over the community on Sunday around 3 pm.
Local sources told Daily Trust that about five days ago, the bandits ambushed Ansaru militants operating in Old Kuyello and killed five of them.
The incident forced the Ansaru militants to retreat into the forest, allowing the bandits to invade the village and cart away foodstuffs belonging to the locals.
Hadi Kuyello, a resident of the area and a community leader, confirmed the incident, saying many bandits were also killed during the gunfight with the Ansaru militants in the forest.
“As we speak, men, women and children are fleeing to safer villages because the bandits have invaded Old Kuyello village, carting away foodstuff,” he said.
Ishaq Usman Kasai, the Chairman of Birnin Gwari Emirate Progressive Union, confirmed the incident.
Jerry Wright-Ukwu
