The Garrison Commander of the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Ismaila Isa, and the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Agyole Abeh, have both relocated to the southern part of the state which has been ravaged by crisis in recent times.

Reports broke on Monday that fresh crisis in two communities in Southern Kaduna had claimed at least 14 lives, while houses and property were destroyed.

According to an announcement signed by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, the relocation of the two security chiefs to the crisis area is to enable them coordinate a determined response to renewed attacks by armed bandits on communities in Kaura and Jema’a local government areas.

The situation in the affected communities has been brought under control by Monday afternoon, but security operations were continuing.

Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, commiserated with the families of the victims of the renewed attacks which reports say started on Sunday night.

“I want to, first of all, extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and relations that lost their loved ones and properties in these unfortunate attacks,” El-Rufai was quoted as saying.

“My prayers and support equally goes to citizens that sustained injuries and are traumatised by what they witnessed.

“This is clearly a wicked, evil and devilish act being perpetrated by enemies of peace and humanity.”

The governor assured the people that the government is fully committed to securing the area, with the active support of the army and the police.

“Two battalions of soldiers and 10 mobile police squadrons are engaging the bandits, as the state carries out its obligations to secure the area, protect lives and rout these armed bandits,” the government statement read.

El-Rufai pleaded with the people not to let the pains and sufferings they have so far endured in the hands of the bandits lead them to resort to reprisal attacks.

The Governor called for support for the army and the security agencies as they work to repel attacks and crush the bandits.

Aruwan narrated that “unknown gunmen in a coordinated attack invaded Bakin Kogi, Kaninkon Village in Jemaa Local Government Area in the State on Sunday 19th February, 2017 at about 5:30pm.”

“They were repulsed by Operation Yaki Surveillance Patrol Teams and Operation Harmony Patrol Teams.  Further attacks were recorded today in Kaura local government.

“Fatalities were recorded and some houses were burnt in the attacks,” he noted.