At least 10 persons were shot dead, while five others sustained serious injuries when gunmen attacked Tattaura Community in Sanga Local Government Area in the southern part of Kaduna State at the weekend.

The attack occurred when the Tattaura community in southern Kaduna were celebrating their annual Christmas ceremony on Saturday night, which featured dancing competitions by the youths, children and adults.

The villagers, who were taken unawares, ran in different directions for their safety with the attackers in hot pursuit, gunning down anyone in sight.

A resident of the area told Newswatch Times that the attack happened at about 10:30pm when Christmas celebration was ongoing. He said the gunmen came from the surrounding forest, killing 10, while five others sustained serious injuries and were receiving treatment at Akwanga General Hospital in Nasarawa State.

Acting Chairman of the local government area, Alhaji Nasiru Harande, confirmed the incident, describing it as unfortunate.

Harande said normalcy had returned to the area after the attack. He confirmed that “10 people were killed and the five others who were injured are receiving treatment in a general hospital in Akwanga,” adding that “the attackers came, shot people that gathered and fled.”

A community leader in the area, Mike Sanga, said many of those killed in the attack were in a shop relaxing after a hectic dance few yards from where the celebration was going on.

“Our community is about three kilometres to Nandu-Ankpong where 19 people were killed June 23, 2014,” he said, identifying the people killed as: Joel Ambo – a primary school teacher; Yakubu Ambi, Yamu Idzi, Anche Ishaku and Misalai Ngbo.

Others he said are: Ishaya Anche, Monday Samson, Joel Anzah, Jonathan Anche and a visitor from Randa community, popularly referred to as P – square.

Another resident, Mr. Benard Tattaura, said they didn’t know what was responsible for the attack. “If the government does not arrest these frequent attacks, we are finished,” he lamented.

Newswatch Times learnt that arrangements were being made at the time of filling this report give the victims mass burial. However, their bodies were seen still lying in front of the shop with many people from various communities who had come to commiserate with the relations wailing at the sight of the dead.

Residents said no one had been apprehended in connection with the attack.

The Kaduna State Police Command and the state government were yet to issue an official statement concerning the attack.