Scores killed in renewed Southern Kaduna violence

                                               File: Goska Village, Kaduna afer the Mayhem by suspected Fulani herdsmen

Kaduna—Scores of persons were feared killed in a renewed round of violence between farmers and herders in

Kajuru, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday and Monday.

Although the state Police Command said it was not aware of the number of casualty, sources in the area put the number of dead at about 37 persons, while several others were injured.

It was gathered that renewed violence started when Kadara youths in the area allegedly killed a herdsman, who they said was a known bandit that had been terrorising the area, prompting a reprisal attack from his fellow herdsmen, who allegedly stormed Ungwan Uka.

A youth from the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the herdsman that was killed had gone to harass the people of the area when youths mobilised and confronted him.

He claimed that the leader of the Fulani community in the area, who he said also knew the man to be a bandit, was informed about the development, but their youths insisted on avenging the man.

The youth said: “The Chief of Kajuru even called them and spoke with them, but we were surprised that in the early hours of Sunday, they came and carried out the attack.”

It was gathered that the reprisal attack led to the death of five youths alleged to be involved in the killing of the herdsman.

The incident led to another round of attack as the Kadara youths mobilised and attack Fulani settle-ments in the area, burning their tents while living scores of them dead.

An eyewitness, Salisu Mohammed, said after the attack on Monday, some security agents were drafted to the communities and things calmed down.

He said things got out of hand when the security men left and Kadara youths launched another attack on Fulani settlements, killing no fewer than 10.

He said: “These are the bodies that have been recovered. We do not know the actual number of casualties as our people are scattered all over running for dear life.”

He said the victims were buried in a mass grave and while at the graveside, they got a message to prepare for the burial of another nine bodie recovered in the bushes.

Contacted, the Acting Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Yakubu Sabo, said the Police is aware of a misunderstanding among some individuals in the community, which later led to a clash.

He said the Police and the Army have, however, gone to the place and brought the situation under control.

Sabo, however, said the Police are yet to confirm the number of casualties, assuring that “as soon as I confirm the casualties figure, I will let you know.”