Easter: Fresh Clashes Claim 15 Lives In Kano

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in Kano yesterday confirmed the killing of 14 persons during an attack on some of its personnel at Layin Yanawaki in Unguwa Uku area of Kano Metropolis.

The JTF spokesman, Cpt. Ikedechi Iweha, told newsmen that the JTF was attacked during a search operation to fish out suspected terrorists in the area, adding that some gunmen opened fire on sighting the JTF personnel.

Iweha said “14 of the suspected terrorists were shot dead and a number of arms and ammunition were recovered during an exchange of fire between the gunmen and the JTF.

“However, one member of the JTF was killed and another wounded in the process.’’

The JTF spokesman added that the JTF recovered 14 AK47, one pump action rifle, large quantity of Improvised Explosive Devices and a Golf car at the scene.

He, however, did not give details of people arrested at the scene.

He said two buildings suspected to be the hideout of the terrorists were also destroyed in the area by the JTF.

Our correspondent  reports that the operation near the ever-busy Zaria-Kano expressway started in the early hours of Sunday and lasted for more than three hours.

President Goodluck Jonathan (left), with former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd) (2nd left) and other dignitaries, at the Easter Church Service at Our Saviour's Anglican Church, Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, yesterday.