Troops recover another bodies of four herders, targeted and killed by Kaduna

Troops recover another bodies of four herders, targeted and killed by Kaduna

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have recovered the bodies of four herders allegedly killed by local youths in a reprisal attack in Kamantan Chiefdom, Kaduna State.

Security sources said the incident followed a kidnapping episode at Zuturuntinta village, where the herders were reported missing.

The sources disclosed that troops received intelligence on April 4 indicating that the victims were attacked and killed while relocating with their cattle to a safer location on the same night of the incident.

“They were reportedly intercepted and attacked by some angry youths, allegedly in retaliation for the death of a local during the kidnapping incident,” the source said.

Following the report, the Chairman of Miyetti Allah in the area requested military assistance to mobilise the community for a search operation to locate the missing herders.

Troops were immediately deployed to the village, where they convened a meeting with community members, including the village head.

The village head was said to have provided local hunters and members of the Kaduna Vigilante Service (KADVS) to support the search alongside troops and Fulani representatives.

During the operation, troops identified multiple indicators suggesting the herders had been killed.

“Following blood trails, troops discovered a shallow grave where the four victims were buried,” the source added.

Items recovered at the scene included two mobile phones.

The remains of the victims were reburied at the same location in accordance with Islamic rites, with the consent of their families and Fulani community leaders.

The Sector Commander has directed community leaders to produce those responsible for the killings not later than Wednesday to face justice and help restore peace in the area.

Troops have since been deployed to reinforce security and prevent possible reprisal attacks.

Troops recover another bodies of four herders, targeted and killed by Kaduna