Former Kaduna council chairman k!lled as bandits attack burial convoy

The lifeless body of Hon. Ibrahim Gajere, former Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, has been discovered following a brutal attack by suspected bandits on a burial convoy in Dogon Noma community, Maro Ward, Kaduna State.   It was gathered that the attack occurred on Monday, February 16, 2026, targeted a convoy of vehicles returning from a funeral attended by top local government officials.   The armed assailants ambushed the convoy of the serving chairman, Hon. Dauda Madaki, setting vehicles ablaze.   While security operatives rescued the sitting chairman, the former chairman was declared missing.   Community members launched an immediate search for Gajere and other victims.   His body was found on Wednesday afternoon, February 18, in the surrounding bush.  Meanwhile, the attack has plunged Kajuru and neighbouring communities into mourning. Residents fear for their safety after another assault nearby on the same day reportedly left two people d3ad.   Community leaders are appealing to security agencies to intensify operations in the Kajuru axis to prevent further bloodshed, describing the situation as devastating.  Reacting to the tragedy. a community leader in Kajuru, Gambo Suleiman Maro, called for urgent and decisive security reforms.   Maro described the incident as a painful reflection of deep security gaps in the area and a wake-up call for authorities at both state and federal levels. This tragedy must not become just another headline. It exposes serious lapses in planning, coordination, and risk assessment, especially when high-profile officials move through volatile communities,” Maro said.  He stressed that Kajuru LGA has faced recurring security challenges and that any official movement into high-risk zones should be preceded by mandatory intelligence clearance and structured security deployment.  Maro further questioned the apparent absence of a clear evacuation and contingency plan, noting that emergency response protocols should be firmly established before such movements take place.  He also called for transparency in the rescue operations, saying the circumstances surrounding the response have left many residents seeking clarity.  Among his recommendations, the community leader advocated mandatory security clearance for official visits to high-risk areas, a strengthened and permanent security presence in flashpoint communities such as Maro ward, clear emergency communication and rapid-response systems for convoys, improved civilmilitary coordination between local authorities and security agencies, and the establishment of community-based early warning networks involving traditional and grassroots organizations.  Maro urged the administration of Uba Sani to treat the incident as a turning point for structural reform in rural security management. Kajurus citizens deserve protection grounded in planning, coordination, and accountability. The time for reactive statements has passed. What is needed now is decisive, measurable action,” he said.   The attack has intensified calls for comprehensive strategies to address insecurity in rural communities across Kaduna State.     The post Former Kaduna council chairman k!lled as bandits attack burial convoy appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.