‘Irigwe Nation’ Holds Mass Burial For Nine Victims Of Southern Kaduna Massacre, Including Five Children
29th June, 2026 | News
Irigwe Nation Holds Mass Burial for Victims of Southern Kaduna Attack, Demands Justice
The Irigwe Nation on Saturday held a mass burial for victims of the June 16, 2026 attack on Angwan Magaji community in Kamaru Ward, Kauru Local Government Area of Southern Kaduna.
The victims were among nine residents killed when suspected armed bandits attacked the community. Those killed included five children and one woman, while 11 others sustained injuries during the assault.
Hundreds of mourners, including bereaved families, community members, religious leaders and sympathisers, gathered to pay their final respects amid grief and renewed calls for justice. The burial ceremony was marked by prayers, tears and appeals for an end to the recurring violence affecting communities in Southern Kaduna and other parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
Community leaders described the attack as part of a prolonged pattern of violence that has plagued the region for more than two decades. They expressed concern over what they said was the persistent failure to arrest and prosecute those responsible for such attacks, warning that the resulting culture of impunity has contributed to continued bloodshed.
Speaking during the funeral, mourners criticised what they described as the government’s inability to adequately protect vulnerable communities and ensure justice for victims of violent attacks.
The June 16 attack on Angwan Magaji drew widespread condemnation after gunmen stormed the community, killing nine people and leaving several others injured.
At the close of the burial, community leaders renewed their appeal to the Federal Government, the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to strengthen security in vulnerable communities, bring the perpetrators to justice and take decisive steps to prevent further attacks.
Last week, SaharaReporters reported that at least nine people were confirmed dead while 11 others sustained injuries following the attack.
According to the spokesperson for the Irigwe Youth Movement, Joseph Yonkpa, the attackers invaded the community late on Tuesday, June 16. While initial reports indicated fewer casualties, search and recovery operations later uncovered seven additional bodies, bringing the death toll to nine.
Community sources said the assailants opened fire on residents during the attack, while some children were reportedly injured with machetes, leaving survivors traumatised by the violence.
The victims were identified as Jerry Doctor, Danlami Magani, Sunday Chibi, Rita Abdullahi, Sunday Elkan, Esther Kefas, Happy Friday, Moses Daddy and Daddy Ibrahim.
Those injured were identified as Halla Monday, Mary Yohanna, Jummai John, Charity Danjuma, Faith Yakubu, Omi Yakubu, Ali Sandiye, Asabe Victor, Srarina Simon, Talatu Sunday and ThankGod Danladi.
Residents lamented the recurring attacks in Southern Kaduna, expressing concern that incidents of violence in the region often receive limited public attention despite their devastating impact.
They called on the media, civil society organisations and relevant government authorities to pay greater attention to the security challenges facing vulnerable communities and to take concrete measures to prevent further loss of lives.