Twenty-one killed as fresh crisis erupts in Southern Kaduna

The Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai

Army general, police commissioner relocate to quell trouble

Afresh crisis has erupted in Southern Kaduna, despite the presence of security agents as armed Fulani herdsmen launched attacks on four communities killing no less than 21 people.

Many houses have also been reportedly set ablaze in the incident ,which began on Sunday and lasted till yesterday afternoon.The Kaduna State government, while reacting to the fresh crisis said that the Garrison Commander of the

1 Division of the Nigerian Army and the state’s commissioner of police have relocated to the southern part of the state to restore peace.

A statement by the Spokesman of the Governor, Samuel Aruwan, said their relocation “ is to enable Brigadier-General Ismaila Isa and CP Agyole Abeh coordinate a determined response to renewed attacks by armed bandits on communities in Kaura and Jema’a local government areas.

“The situation has been brought under control by this afternoon, but security operations continue. Governor Nasir El-Rufai has extended his condolence to the families of the victims of the renewed attacks which began on 19th February 2017 and the governor assured them that the government is fully committed to securing the area, with the active support of the army and the police.

“This is clearly a wicked, evil and devilish act being perpetrated by enemies of peace and humanity. I also wish to commend our gallant soldiers and police personnel, who are defending our communities. The Kaduna State Government will continue to work assiduously with security agencies towards the protection of life and property,” he added.

The attacked villages were Ashim, Nissi and Zilan in Atakad District, Kaura local government and Bakin Kogi in Goska District of Jama’a local government.

The attack in Ashim, Nisi and Zilan occurred on Monday at about 6:00am, claiming 15 lives with over 50 houses reportedly burnt while the attack in Bakin Kogi occurred on Sunday at about 5:00pm,claiming seven lives, while many houses were set ablaze.

President Takad Community Development Association, Mr. Enock Andong who confirmed the attack on the three villages, said in a telephone interview that the herdsmen were heavily armed.

“They came around 6:00am today (Monday) and they killed 15 people in Ashim and Zilan alone. I am on my way to Nisi to find out the situation of things there,” he said.

A villager, Mr. Enock Barau said the invaders who wore black started shooting on arrival and the attack lasted for about four hours.The Kaura Local Government Chairman, Mr. Alexander Iya confirmed the killings in a telephone interview, saying “as it stands I can tell you
that 14 people have been killed in Kaura.

Credit: Guardian