Locals, Herders Clash Claims Four Lives In Kaduna
- Three persons sustain injuries
A clash between locals and some herders in the Jankasa area of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State has claimed four lives with three others sustaining varying degrees of injuries.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Monday, Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State, Samuel Aruwan said reports from the military and police authorities indicate that the hostilities occurred along some cattle routes in the area.
According to Aruwan, the confrontation then escalated into a firefight between the two groups, before security forces arrived to bring the situation under control.
After the clash, the four people confirmed killed were identified as Luka Nelson, Timothy Koni, Pasi Peter, and George Frances. Three persons who sustained gunshot injuries during the fracas were identified as Daniel Dauda, Extra James, and Henry Frances.
He said confirmed reports further showed that the injured persons were currently in an undisclosed hospital receiving treatment.
Also, security agencies reported that unknown gunmen attacked some settled herders at Manchok, Kaura LGA, adding that this was an apparent reprisal to the initial clash.
So far, 13 cows have been confirmed killed with troops recovering 25 cows alive from the area. However, no human casualties have been reported as the search operations continue.
Governor Nasir El-Rufai, while receiving the report on the incident, expressed sadness at the deadly skirmish, and prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed.
Sending his deepest condolences to the deceased families, Governor El-Rufai condemned the unfortunate attacks amidst sustained efforts by the State government to restore stability to the affected areas.
The governor appealed to members of the community and all citizens of Kaduna State to uphold lawful actions over violent conduct at all times, even as he wished all those injured quick recoveries.
However, Governor el-Rufai urged security agencies to ensure diligent investigations into the attacks in order to bring the perpetrators to answer for their crimes.
Reports said security has been beefed up around the area with sustained patrols by security personnel now quite visible.
