Grief as Irigwe Nation Buries Nine Victims of Southern Kaduna Massacre, Demands Justice

KADUNA – The Irigwe ethnic community has held a mass burial for nine victims killed in a recent attack on Unguwar Magaji in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, with mourners demanding justice and stronger government action to end the recurring wave of violence targeting communities in the region.

The emotional burial ceremony brought together family members, traditional rulers, community leaders and sympathisers who paid their final respects to the victims, including four young children whose deaths have deepened outrage over the persistent insecurity in Southern Kaduna.

The victims were identified as Jerry Doctor, Danlami Magani, Sunday Chibi, Rita Abdullahi, Daddy Ibrahim, as well as children Sunday Elkan, Esther Kefas, Happy Friday and Moses Daddy.

Community leaders said the victims were among those killed when armed attackers invaded Unguwar Magaji during a late-night assault, leaving several others with varying degrees of injuries. Eleven survivors are reportedly receiving medical treatment following the attack.

Speaking during the burial, representatives of the Irigwe community condemned the continued attacks on their people, describing the killings as unacceptable and urging security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible.

The community also called on the Federal Government and Kaduna State Government to strengthen security in vulnerable rural settlements and prevent further bloodshed.

The attack has renewed concerns over the deteriorating security situation along the Kaduna–Plateau border, where residents have repeatedly complained of deadly assaults on farming communities.

Unless decisive action is taken by the authorities, innocent lives will continue to be lost,” community leaders warned. “Affected communities deserve lasting peace, justice and adequate protection,” they added.