Gujarati youth among 162 killed in Nigeria

A 23-year-old Gujarati youth was among the 162 people killed in a series of co-ordinated bombings and gun attacks by an Islamic sect in the city of Kano in Nigeria. Six other Indians were injured in the incident.

Kevalkumar Rajput, a resident of Devgadh Baria in Dahod district in Gujarat had gone to Nigeria to earn some money to fund his three sisters' marriage. Rajput, who was working as a driver with a company called M/S Relchem, has an elder brother who is not mentally challenged. "Keval used to work as a driver while in Gujarat. He had gone to Nigeria in March 2011, to earn enough money to fund his sisters' marriage," said a person close to the family.

It was the Indian High Commission in Nigeria that first called up Devgadh Baria MLA, Tusharsinh Maharaol to inform him about the death. As the death could not be confirmed, the family had some hope, which was dashed later when the Indian high commission confirmed his death. Sources said efforts are being made to bring back the youth's body. "There is a curfew which will be lifted on Monday. So the body is most likely to reach his native place by Wednesday," said the person.

According to details available Rajput was driving the vehicle which also had two other people in it, when the bomb was lobbed. The vehicle burst in flames killing Rajput and two others immediately. The source further said that the youth's father works in a private firm for a monthly pay of Rs2,500.