Shock and grief have gripped Ungwan Rimi in Kamaru Ward, Chawai Chiefdom in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State following a deadly midnight attack by suspected Fulani militants that left seven dead and eight others seriously injured.

According to a press release issued by the National Leadership of the Chawai Development Association (CDA), the attackers struck between 12 a.m. and 1 a.m. on Monday, August 25, 2025, targeting innocent villagers in their sleep.

The CDA, through its National Publicity Secretary Comrade Yohanna Bishara, expressed deep sorrow over the attack and sympathized with the affected families. “We mourn with the families who lost their loved ones and pray for quick recovery for those currently receiving treatment,” the statement read.

Similarly, the Irigwe Community Development Association (ICDA) Kamaru Ward Branch confirmed the attack in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Comrade Iliya Tata. The statement provided the list of the deceased and injured, most of whom were women and children.

Killed:

1. Jacob Zaka – 12 years

2. Felicia Francis – 30 years

3. Margaret Mathias – 5 years

4. Veronica Paul – 25 years

5. Delight Paul – 1 year

6. Confidence Yakubu – 15 years

7. Sati Markus – 9 years

Injured:

1. Mathew Sunday – 14 years

2. Jethro Istifanus – 7 years

3. Jackson Istifanus – 5 years

4. Emmanuel Morris – 14 years

5. Agatha Sylvester – 9 years

6. Joy Markus – 9 years

7. Divine Paul – 6 months

8. Mary Ishaya – 12 years

Gory photos from the attack site showed the lifeless bodies of children and women, bearing witness to the brutality and calculated nature of the assault. Community members believe this is part of a wider pattern of coordinated attacks aimed at ethnic cleansing.

The CDA called on the Federal Government, Kaduna State Government, and Kauru Local Government to urgently intervene to protect rural communities. “It is clear that our communities are under siege. The time to act is now,” the statement emphasized.

The Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU) Youth Wing, Kauru LGA Branch, also condemned the killings. In a statement signed by its Secretary, Comrade Bitrus Orlando, the union said: “We are utterly dismayed by the renewed bloodshed. The lives lost and pain inflicted reflect a failure of security and justice.”

SOKAPU and the ICDA both called for emergency relief efforts and justice for the victims, urging security agencies to restore peace and confidence in the region.

“The entire Chawai Nation is in mourning,” the CDA added. “We appeal to the general public to remain calm during this painful period, trusting that justice will prevail.”

As at the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Government and the State Police Command were yet to issue any official statement regarding the incident. However, community leaders in the affected areas confirmed the arrival of security operatives from the special military taskforce, noting that the situation has since calmed following their intervention.

Security agencies are said to have launched an investigation to uncover the perpetrators of this heinous crime against humanity. Residents remain on edge, calling for urgent, sustained government action to prevent further bloodshed and restore lasting peace to the region.