Again, alleged herdsmen kill 3, set houses ablaze in Kaduna villages
By ALEX UANGBAOJE, Kaduna
Herdsmen has again, alleged killed three people in Dogon Daji community and torched part of Antang Village all by Godogodo-Gidan-Waya Jos Expressway in Jema’a Local Government Area, LGA, of Kaduna state, villagers said on Monday.
An allegation, the acting Local Government Chairman of Jema’a LGA, Mr. Humble Katuka said is not completely true but accepted that only two were killed in Dogon Daji and two houses burnt in Antang.
The Godogodo area has come under intense attacks since July by alleged herdsmen. Affected villagers said, the alleged Fulani are pushing them out with violence since most of the affected villages have been designated as Cattle Grazing Reserves by Kaduna State and the Federal Government this year. At least 9 villages have been abandoned by natives who have been taking refuge in Godogodo town.
Speaking on the issue via phone call, a source in Dogon Daji village who does not want hi name mentioned said: “This morning, a group of herdsmen attacked our village (Dogon Daji). They killed three people. And injured about six people. I am not sure, because we have to move out women and children. Then they armed herdsmen moved to Antang and burnt part of the village and injured some people,” he said. “We are yet to get help from anyone,” he said.
But, in reaction, Katuka said: “Report reaching me said that two people were killed in Dogon Daji, and then they burnt two houses in Atang.
“The had diverted the attention of the Police and soldiers staioned in Godogodo and sneaked to these areas to cause havoc. But, security have been beefed up and I shall personally go there later to inspect what has happened,” he said.
It could be recalled that on Saturday, Godogodo which has been holding thousands of displaced persons was attacked by an army of armed herdsmen leading to the killing of four vigilantes.
A statement signed by Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman, acting Director Army Public Relations reads: “Gallant troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army in a joint operation with personnel of Nigeria Police and local vigilantes have today repelled a coordinated attack by gunmen on Godogodo town of Kaduna State.
“The troops fought off the attackers and pursued them into the bush inflicting heavy casualty on them.
“The combined security team also arrested the following 6 suspects : Lawal Gambo, Yau Sani, Bala Amodu, Ibrahim Maikaru, Abubakar Hassan and Bashiru Isa Ciroma.
“Unfortunately 4 local vigilantes lost their lives while another 9 were wounded in the course of countering the dastardly attack meant to cause more loss of lives and properties of law abiding citizens of Godogodo Town.
“The situation in Godogo Town has since returned to normalcy and efforts are ongoing to track the remaining fleeing bandits.
“We wish to reassure citizens that the effort to safeguard life and property will continue with renewed vigour until all the rampaging bandits are brought to justice.
“You are please requested to disseminate this information to the public through your esteemed medium.”
