Twelve persons have been killed by bandits in a fresh attack on Zango-Kataf, Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) said on Monday.

The organisation said the attack was carried out on Sunday in Apiye Jim community in the Atyap chiefdom of Zango-Kataf council of Kaduna State.

SOKAPU’s spokesman Luka Binniyat said the gunmen attacked the community during a heavy downpour.

According to him, “The attackers also killed another man in Atakshusho village about 3km from the initial scene of crime as they were retreating to make an escape.

“That brings to 13 those killed in Atyap land, in Zangon Kataf LGA in the past 24 hours. As usual, no one has been apprehended.”

The latest attack came less than 24 hours after the murder of an ECWA Church Pastor, Rev. Silas Yakubu Ali in the same council on Saturday.

A community source said, “The attackers came while it was raining and divided themselves into groups. They targeted specific houses and left immediately.

“Scores of the villagers are missing at the moment. It’s impossible for one to ascertain the number of those injured and even those killed.

Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs Samuel Aruwan confirmed the attack in a statement.

Aruwan said, “Security agencies have reported to the state government that 12 persons were killed in an attack by unidentified assailants in the Atyap Chiefdom of Zangon Kataf LGA

“According to the report, the assailants stormed the village late Sunday evening, and killed 12 residents.

“Two other residents were injured and are receiving treatment.”

The commissioner said Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed profound grief on the report of another deadly incident in the area.