Kaduna Bloodbath: Scores Killed, Outrage Mounts Over Gruesome Attacks

A brutal attack on Naridon village, also identified as Kamaru village, in the Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, resulted in the deaths of approximately 30 people, including women and children. The assault, which occurred on a Monday morning or Sunday night, also involved the burning down of houses and has triggered widespread condemnation from national and international bodies.

President Bola Tinubu strongly condemned the incident as an “unprovoked act of terror against defenceless people,” describing it as barbaric and cowardly. In a statement released by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on July 28, 2026, President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, Governor Uba Sani, and the people of Kaduna State. He directed the Armed Forces, police, and relevant intelligence agencies to intensify operations in the affected areas to swiftly track down the perpetrators and restore normalcy. The President also reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening security infrastructure, equipping response personnel, and neutralizing criminal networks, urging local communities to cooperate with security forces by providing actionable intelligence.

Amnesty International vehemently condemned the killings, detailing the horrific nature of the attack where dozens attempting to escape were pursued and slaughtered. Gory images obtained by the organization reportedly showed entire families "locked up and slaughtered inside their bedrooms," with children having their throats slit. Amnesty International criticized the authorities' failure to protect citizens and bring attackers to justice, arguing that such inaction fuels impunity and that, despite President Tinubu’s assurances, "clearly nothing has changed." The organization called for intensified government efforts to stop the incessant attacks in villages, particularly in Southern Kaduna, which has repeatedly suffered such violence. They also highlighted that Nigeria's insecurity significantly contributed to human rights abuses in 2025, with documented attacks continuing into 2026 in North-Central Nigeria.

The Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union (SOKAPU) confirmed the death toll of over 30 people. SOKAPU President Tabara Kato, in an open letter dated July 27 to the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation in rural and farming communities, noting the tragedy occurred despite repeated security assurances. SOKAPU urged the police to take immediate and decisive steps, advocating for a shift from reactive to proactive, intelligence-driven policing. They called for the deployment of mobile police and counter-terrorism units to vulnerable rural communities and forest areas, improved response times to distress calls, and better strategic communication to restore public trust, emphasizing the government's primary responsibility to protect lives and property.

The Kaduna State Government also condemned the attack. Its spokesperson, Ahmed Maiyaki, conveyed the government’s deep sorrow and confirmed that security forces had been instructed to immediately track down and apprehend the perpetrators. Governor Uba Sani extended his condolences to the bereaved families and directed the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) to mobilize relief materials and humanitarian support for the victims. Addressing recurring security challenges, the state government reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with neighboring Plateau State, security outfits, traditional rulers, and local stakeholders to fortify inter-state security cooperation and restore permanent peace to border areas. Residents were appealed to remain calm, vigilant, law-abiding, support security agencies with credible information, reject violence, and embrace dialogue, as the government remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding every community.