The killing of a Fulani herder in Zaman Chawai area of Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State by unidentified persons was responsible for a renewed sectarian violence in the area, the state Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, has said.
According to Aruwan, a security report revealed that the herder, Yusuf Mahmuda, a resident of the community, was grazing with other herders in the bushes adjoining some farms when he was attacked and killed after an argument with some farmers over encroachment by animals.
He said: “The assailants beheaded the slain herder and took his head with them as the other herders grazing in the area managed to escape with their animals.
“Subsequently, an inter-ethnic communal clash erupted during peak market hours in Bakin Kogi Market of Kauru LGA, located near its boundaries with Zangon Kataf LGA.”
The commissioner further narrated: ‘One Ahmad Aliyu was killed in the violent attack, while two residents, Esther Thomas and Tanko Dakar, were injured and a vehicle was burnt.”
He said the situation was brought under control by troops of Operation Safe Haven who then escorted buyers and sellers to safety.
Meanwhile, the state government has condemned the renewed killings in the area.
In a statement, Aruwan said the government has appealed to residents who lost their relations and loved ones to allow security forces and government manage the situation, as investigations are in progress, following incidents which created a tense atmosphere in the local government areas.
Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i has also expressed his sadness at the incident and “sorely lamented the eruption of violent attacks and clashes in the general area”.
He expressed deep concern that despite the efforts and hard work of the government, security forces and other critical stakeholders to ensure the gradual return of peace, the killings had caused a setback which must not be allowed to gain ground.
El-Rufai condoled with the families of those killed and prayed for the repose of their souls, while wishing the injured a quick recovery.
The governor tasked security agencies to conduct thorough investigations into the attacks leading to loss of lives in both locations.
He further charged all residents to maintain calm and desist from all actions capable of triggering further violence, as security agencies carried out their tasks.
Aruwan said, “Security agencies are investigating the incidents and sustaining patrols to restore stability to the general area.”
