Unknown gunmen attacked the Damakasuwa community in Chawai Chiefdom of Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, killing about seven people, while one sustained gunshot wounds. On Friday, according to a source, around 8:00 pm, the gunmen invaded the community and started shooting sporadically, thereby forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes for their safety. The entire community, he explained, was gripped with panic as gunshots echoed from different directions for several minutes without any immediate response from security personnel. The Paramount Chief of Chawai, Alhaji Yahaya Muhammad, also confirmed the incident, saying that five persons were shot dead on the spot, while two others who were critically injured later died. He explained that the incident has heightened tension in the area, but also confirmed that normalcy has been restored due to the presence of military personnel in the community. He said, “We’ve urged our people to remain calm and allow the security agencies to carry out their diligent work to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended.” The gunmen, it was learnt, opened fire indiscriminately on villagers who were either retiring to bed or still engaged in evening activities. The incident has heightened fear across neighboring settlements in the Chawai axis of Kauru LGA, which has witnessed incessant armed assaults, kidnappings, and killings in recent months. No official statement has been issued by any security agency, as efforts made to reach the Kaduna State Police Command’s spokesman, ASP Mansir Hassan, failed.