Three people, including Captain Abdulkarim Bala Na’Allah, the eldest son of former Senator Bala Na’Allah, were killed in separate attacks in Kaduna State.
Abdulkarim, a 36-year-old trained pilot, was found dead at his residence in the Malali area of Kaduna metropolis on August 29, 2021. The incident was confirmed by an aide to the senator and the Kaduna State Government.
According to the police, the assailants reportedly gained access to the pilot’s residence during the night and strangled him before taking away his Lexus SUV. The Kaduna State Police Command subsequently launched an investigation into the killing.
In a separate incident, two other residents, identified as Gideon Mumini and Barnabas Ezra, were killed when suspected bandits attacked Makoro Iri village in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state.
The attackers reportedly invaded the community and opened fire, killing the two victims. The incident was among several security-related attacks recorded in Kaduna at the time.
Following Abdulkarim’s death, Senator Na’Allah said his son’s killers were not armed with guns and had allegedly gained entry into the residence through the roof before strangling him. The senator expressed grief over the loss and said the family had left the matter in the hands of God.
The killing sparked widespread concern, with the Kaduna State Government describing Abdulkarim’s death as appearing to be a case of culpable homicide.
Police later arrested suspects in connection with the murder. By September 2021, the Kaduna Police Command said two suspects were in custody while another suspect remained at large. The vehicle taken from the deceased was also recovered in Niger Republic as investigations continued.
The deaths highlighted the security challenges facing Kaduna State at the time, as attacks by bandits and other criminal groups continued to affect communities across different parts of the state.