Cattle rustling triggers deadly violence in Kaduna, three feared dead

Cattle rustling triggers deadly violence in Kaduna, three feared dead

By: Zagazola Makama

A deadly clash has erupted in parts of Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State following a major cattle rustling incident that left at least three people feared dead and several others injured.

Zagazola Makama learnt that the incident began in the early hours of Saturday, June 21, when suspected rustlers stormed Gwaraje village in Igabi Local Government Area and stole about 200 cattle. The armed group reportedly moved the animals through neighbouring Kadanya and Anguwan Mairijya villages.

While escaping with the stolen livestock, the attackers allegedly shot and fatally wounded a 35-year-old woman, identified as Rahila Danzaria of Kadanya village.

Tensions escalated further when youths from Anguwan Mairijya, apparently reacting to the situation or acting on suspicion, intercepted two men Musa Husaini, and Muntari Tajo, from Gwaraje village, who were said to be trailing the rustlers. The two were severely beaten and left unconscious.

Community sources revealed that attempts to mediate or obtain information from residents in the affected villages proved difficult, as most locals were unwilling to speak out.

The police sources said it has since invited the village heads of Anguwan Mairijya and Kadanya — Sarkin Anguwan Samaila Gado and Sarkin Kadanya Obi Mairuwa — for questioning. They are currently in custody to aid investigation.

Preliminary interrogation led to the identification of one Samaila Danzaria of Anguwan Mairijya as a suspected key perpetrator. He is currently at large.

Efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects, recover the rustled cattle, and locate the bodies of any victims who may have died from the attacks.

Cattle rustling triggers deadly violence in Kaduna, three feared dead