Nigeria: 17 people killed in Kaduna

Nigeria: 17 people killed in Kaduna

17 persons were reportedly killed by suspected Fulani herders at Ungwan Dooh (Mado) village of Zangon Kataf local government area of Kaduna state in North Central Nigeria.

Zangon Kataf is about 154 km from Kaduna the state capital

The incident which occured in the early hours of Sunday according to residents was seen as a reprisal attack by some Muslim group in reaction to Jos crises.

A Pastor who was seen in a video identify himself as the CAN Chairman of Zangon Kataf blame the government of Kaduna state and Buhari administration over the incessant killings of Christians both in the state and country.

According to him, “We are being hunted like rat. They come around and killed Innocent people including women and children and the government would always say the are bandits and nothing will be done but when we killed them the government will say we are killing innocent people just like what happened recently in Jos where youths intercepted people with weapons and they are now saying innocent travellers were attacked.

“God is going to rise for us and defend us if this government is not up to its responsibilities. But I will urged us not to give in but to continue to pray for divine help. I am also urging our people to stand on guard against these attackers. Whenever they came they should not fine us asleep. We need to wake up and defend ourselves because this government is not ready to protect it’s citizens.

“As you can see there are none corpses here, others are in the hospital. They were 16 before but we just received a message that a woman just give up the ghost making 17 the people this evil doers killed in cold blood and we say we have a government in place. This government is wicked and protects evil people against the innocent. It shall not be well with them and God is going to fight for us.” The Reverend continued.

However, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State on Monday said Acting Governor Dr Hadiza Balarabe received the reports with sadness, and condemned the recent spate of devastating attacks in the area.

“She prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased, and sent condolences to their families. The Acting Governor wished the injured resident a quick recovery, and urged security agencies to sustain diligent investigations into the attack.” Aruwan said

According to the Commissioner, the incident was reported to the Kaduna State Government by troops of Operation Safe Haven, who responded to distress calls and mobilized to the area.

“The assailants fled on sighting the troops. Nine corpses have been recovered so far following a search of the village. The deceased are identified as: Moses Dangana, Mary Dangana, Jummai Dangana, Jerry James, Happy James, Endurance Stephen, Comfort Emmanuel, Jummai Tanko, and Mary Clement

“One resident, Magdalene Dangoma, sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment in hospital. Two houses were razed in the attack.

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” The troops of Operation Safe Haven also rescued 12 persons who were fleeing from the attackers. Those rescued are: Patrick Chindon, Joseph Agbon, Polymer Joseph, Amos Francis, Keziah Amos, Linda Jonathan, Asabe Jonathan, Jonathan James, Lamin Yohanna, Titi Emmanuel, Patricia Michael, and Jetral Bala

“Troops are still carrying out search and rescue operations, and will make public the exact number of casualties. Troops are working in the area and the public will be updated on further developments.” He added

Meanwhile, residents of Angwar Dooh in Zangon Kataf area where the incident occurred said there are no presence of the military in the area.

“There are military in Zangon Kataf but their presence there was to prevent the people from responding to this attack. However there are no military in Angwar Dooh where the incident happened. If the military is there as the government is portraying this attack would not have happened.” They said.