Gunmen Kill Imam ‘Who Spoke Against Bandits’ in Kaduna

Unknown gunmen have killed the Chief Imam of Kawaran Rafi in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Danleeman Isah.

The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

According to Aruwan, the bandits attacked the village and moved straight to Isah’s residence, and killed him in what appears to be premeditated murder.

He said the gunmen shot him dead and left the location without taking any items or hostages. Aruwan said the murder of the cleric is linked to his vocal stance against the killing and kidnapping of citizens by bandits

“Security agencies have informed the Kaduna state government that armed bandits invaded Kawaran Rafi village in Igabi local government area, and killed one Danleeman Isah, the chief imam of the village,” he said.

“The bandits moved straight to Isah’s residence, and in what appears to be a pre-meditated murder, shot him dead and left the location without taking any items or hostages.

“The murder of the cleric has been linked to his vocal stance against the killing and kidnapping of the citizenry by bandits.”

Speaking further, Aruwan said this development comes after the killing of Ardo Musa Layi of Kajuru local government, who was kidnapped and killed by armed bandits in October 2020 for his advocacy against killing, kidnapping, and cattle rustling.

He said five persons have been arrested in connection with the killings and security agencies are investigating the incidents.

Aruwan noted that the governor of the state, Nasir el-Rufai, has expressed sadness at both incidents, and prayed for the repose of the souls of the slain cleric and the community leader.