The Kaduna State Government said a gun battle between two groups of bandits in Giwa Local Government Area of the state, had resulted in the killing of nine of their fellows.

Mr Samuel Aruwan, the Commissioner, for Internal Security and Home Affairs, revealed this development in a statement issued on Friday in Kaduna.

He said that credible human intelligence networks informed the state government of the development, which was further corroborated by security agencies.

“Intelligence sources had reported that a notorious bandit known as ‘Godon Mota’ stormed Garke village last Wednesday with his gang and clashed with a rival bandit group, leading to the killing of nine members.

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“The cause of the fratricidal face-off is yet unclear, but was said to revolve around a disagreement over sharing of accumulated ransoms, during which one of the groups felt cheated”, Aruwan explained.

The Commissioner said the Acting Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe noted the report with thanks, and urged security agencies to sustain pressure to enable the apprehension of criminal elements in the area.

“Investigations and security patrols are ongoing,” Aruwan said.