Seven Killed as Suspected Bandits, Illegal Miners Clash in Kaduna

At least seven people have been confirmed dead following a violent clash between suspected bandits and illegal miners in a remote area of Kaduna State earlier today.

According to local sources, the confrontation occurred in a mining community located within Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, an area notorious for bandit attacks and illegal mining activities. Eyewitnesses said the violence broke out after a dispute over control of a lucrative mining site turned deadly.

Residents reported that heavy gunfire erupted as both groups engaged in a fierce exchange that lasted for several hours.

“We heard gunshots from the forest. Later, we saw bodies being taken away,” a resident who spoke on condition of anonymity told reporters.

Security operatives were said to have arrived at the scene after the incident, with reports indicating that calm has since been restored.

However, the casualty toll may rise as search operations continue in the surrounding forest areas.

The Kaduna State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.

Kaduna, particularly Birnin Gwari axis, has witnessed recurring clashes between criminal gangs and illegal miners competing for control of mineral-rich zones, further heightening insecurity in the region.