Southern Kaduna: Death Toll Hits 21

*Army Commander, Police Commissioner Relocate To Battle Area
By AMOS DUNIA (ABUJA) and AMOS TAUNA (KADUNA)
Following Sunday and Monday attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Southern Kaduna, no fewer than 21 people were allegedly killed in Kaura and Jema’a Local Government Areas of Kaduna State
It was gathered that at about 6am on Monday, an attack was carried out by suspected Fulani herdsmen at Mifi and Ashim towns in Attakar Chiefdom of Kaura local Government Area with not less than 14 local farmers reportedly killed.
Similarly, information pieced together indicated that in Bakin Kogi, Kaninkong Chiefdom in Jema’a Local Government Area of the state, about seven persons were found dead following Sunday’s attack by suspected Fulani militia.
This was just as several people sustained various degrees of injuries while many were lucky to have run for their life in most of the communities that were attacked.
More curiously was the report that two security agents were also killed in the attack in Bakin Kogi in Jema’a LGA which was said to have been carried out by suspected Fulani militia on Sunday.
Chairman of Kaura Local Government Council, Alex Iya, said 14 people were killed in two communities of Mifi and Ashim by gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen on Monday.
Similarly, the lawmaker representing Kaura State constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Dr. Yakubu Bityong collaborated the figure of those killed adding that the attackers killed and destroyed many homes before the arrival of the security operatives.
Bityong gave the names of those killed to include Chayuwai Manti 73, Ezikiel Kanwai 23, Bridget Aba 61, Bridget Samaila 42, Samaila Kuzamam 47, Mathew Daniel 37, Edward Mathew 10, Omega Mathew 8, Adam Niga 46, Moses Ndong 68, Likita Adam 12, Musa John 13, Mboi Waje 14 and Fidelix Kakah.
Chairman of Jema’a Local Government Council, Bege Katuka Hunble could not be reached for his own comment but the Secretary of Tum Nikyop, Kaninkong Chiefdom, Lucky Jacob confirmed that 8 people including two Police men were killed while several houses were destroyed in the Bakin Kogi attack.
Meanwhile, following the spate of killings in Southern Kaduna, the Kaduna State Government on Monday announced the relocation of the Garrison Commander of the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army and the state’s Commissioner of Police to the southern part of the state.
A statement by the Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Samuel Aruwan explained in a statement that the development 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.
Aruwan however said that the situation has been brought under control by Monday afternoon adding however that security operations continue in the area.
He said Governor Nasir El-Rufai has extended his condolence to the families of the victims of the renewed attacks which began last night, February 19, 2017, adding that the governor assured that his government is fully committed to securing the area, with the active support of the army and the police.
According to Aruwan; “The two battalions of the army and the 10 mobile police squadrons are engaging the bandits, as the duty state carries out its obligations to secure the area, protect lives and rout these armed bandits.”
El-Rufai also said that despite the difficulties and the pain of the attacks, it is not the time to give the bandits the pleasure of seeing victims turn on each other and therefore called for support for the army and the security agencies as they work to repel attacks and crush the bandits.
Aruwan quoted El-Rufai as having said; “I have been in touch with the security agencies and I have been studiously following the situation in Jema’a and Kaura Local Government Areas over the unfortunate attacks. I want to, first of all, extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and relations that lost their loved ones and properties in these unfortunate attacks. My prayers and support equally goes to citizens that sustained injuries and are traumatised by what they witnessed.
“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.”
Unknown gunmen in a coordinated attack invaded Bakin Kogi, Kaninkon Village in Jemaa Local Government Area in the State on Sunday 19th February, 2017 at about 5:30pm. They were repulsed by Operation Yaki Surveillance Patrol Teams and Operation Harmony Patrol Teams. Further attacks were recorded today in Kaura local government. Fatalities were recorded and some houses were burnt in the attacks.