May 06, (THEWILL) – The Ansaru terrorists’ group, a splinter of the dreaded Boko Haram terrorists, has commenced recruitment across communities in Birnin-Gwari Local government Area of Kaduna State.
The group, believed to have been operating for years, along Birnin-Gwari axis, has been fingered in several deadly attacks in Kaduna and its environs.
However, THEWILL gathered, that Ansaru, in their bid to lure residents, mostly young people into the deadly group, distributed Sallah gifts to villagers in Birnin Gwari.
A resident in one of the communities in Birnin-Gwari, Alhaji Usman Dankabo, said members of the Ansaru group visited Damari, Farin Ruwa, Kwasa Kwasa, Kuyello, Gobirawa, Tabanni, Kutemeshi and Kazage villages, persuading communities to join the group.
“They distributed gifts, preached to them, and assured them of safety against any attack”, the source said.
A resident of one of the villages, Abdullahi Madaki said they distributed biscuits, performed motorcycle stunts to the delight of villagers and distributed pamphlets, flash disks and other accessories on the activities of the group.
Abdullahi said the group vowed to protect them against any invasion and unjust maltreatment.
Experts with knowledge of how the factional group operates said the unprecedented move was to entice the residents to join the group or see them in good light.
The terror group, had a violent clash with bandits in October 2021, which claimed the lives of over 30 bandits operating around the Damari axis, Birnin Gwari LGA.
Suspected members of the group also last year attacked a military formation along the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari highway and killed 11 soldiers, four villagers and injured many others.
They reportedly claimed responsibility for the bombing of two Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC), attached to the security personnel.
Ansaru had also claimed responsibility for attack on Kaduna-bound train.
However, the Kaduna Police Command has not issue any statement on the development. Spokesperson of the Command, ASP Mohammed Jalige did not pick his calls for confirmation, just as he did not respond to text messages sent to him.
