The death toll from Thursday’s bandit attack in Layin Danauta village, Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has risen to 13, following the deaths of three critically injured victims who succumbed to their injuries while receiving medical treatment.

This figure marks an increase from the earlier counts of nine and later ten villagers who were confirmed killed during the brutal onslaught by the armed bandits.

Among the latest victims was the wife of a police officer, who was shot in their Kuyello residence during the attack and later died from her injuries in Zaria.

Meanwhile, families of the victims have expressed anger over what they described as an attempt by some media outlets to distort the facts, portraying the incident as a “clash between bandits and illegal miners” instead of a deliberate attack on innocent villagers.

A local resident who spoke on behalf of the grieving families condemned the misleading reports, stating that the attacks took place within their Kuyello community and not at any mining site.

He said, “The attackers killed our relatives, injured many, kidnapped some, looted shops, and stole motorcycles inside our villages. Are our little children miners? Were they killed in a mining field? All those who died were inside Kuyello. Even the wife of the police officer who was shot and died yesterday — was she a miner?

“We know the truth is being twisted to protect those behind the so-called peace deals with the bandits. Anyone misinforming the public is disrespecting the memories of our innocent people. We just want to mourn in peace without watching our loved ones’ deaths being politicised.”

Residents also shared photos of some of the victims, including minors and young men who were among those killed.

Further findings revealed that tension remains high across nearby villages such as Mamman Yarwa, Unguwan Gobirawa, and Unguwan Gangare, as residents fear that the bandits may return.

Earlier reports indicated that three girls. children of Alhaji Salisu Maiwada — were among the nine villagers initially confirmed dead. Others killed included five married men and a young bachelor.

Sources described the attack as a well-coordinated assault, with the bandits reportedly surrounding Layin Danauta village in Kuyello Ward on Thursday evening, blocking all entry and exit routes while shooting indiscriminately.

The incident has once again drawn attention to the growing insecurity in Birnin Gwari, where repeated attacks by bandits have continued to claim innocent lives and displace entire communities.