CAN condemns fresh attacks, killings by herdsmen in southern Kaduna

Police arrest suspects terrorizing Delta community residents
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Southern Kaduna, yesterday protested against fresh attack and killings by armed herdsmen in Asso community in Jema’a Local Government Area, urging the government to halt the terrorist activities by the gunmen in the troubled place.

The association lamented that the herdsmen have been making life miserable for the inhabitants following attacks during major Christian festivals, which often leads to loss of lives and property.

A statement issued by the chairman of CAN, Southern Kaduna branch, Venerable John Bwankwot and Secretary, Pastor Michael Maikarfi, yesterday, said: “It is with heavy hearts that we now tell the world that we have again commemorated another major religious festival mourning the death of 12 of our beloved brothers and sisters that were murdered in cold blood at Asso in Jema’a Local government area of Kaduna State on April 15, 2017.”

Bwankwot said the inhabitants “are so troubled on every side that at a time when we were supposed to be celebrating the suffering, death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sin of mankind, we were plunged into wailing, the anguish of soul, bitter cries and burying loved ones.”

He said the zone suffered similar attacks last December when Goska community and environs in Jema’a local government were attacked on the eve of Christmas and scores of people murdered with over 80 houses in the community razed down.

However, he warned ‘’that these continuous unprovoked attacks on innocent citizens have the potency of overstretching our peaceful nature and tolerance level.’’

The association called on government, security agencies and the leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) in Kaduna State and other organisations to urgently ensure that these atrocities and acts of wickedness are halted.

Also, the Catholic Bishop of Kafanchan Dioceses, Archbishop Joseph Danlami Bagobiri has blamed Governor Nasir El-Rufai for the unabated crisis in the troubled communities.

Meanwhile, the police in Abraka Division in Delta State have arrested two suspected herdsmen who allegedly attacked some residents of Urhuorie-Oruarivie Community, Abraka.

The Police Commissioner in the State, Mr. Zanna Ibrahim, said the two suspects were picked in the farmlands of their victims after they escaped their attack and reported to the station.

In another development, calm has finally returned to Ebedel community in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, following the fear of an imminent Fulani herdsmen’s attack on the community.

Meanwhile, the Peace Hunters Association of Kaduna State yesterday said that it can end the killings in Southern Kaduna if given adequate recognition by the state government, saying that the growing attacks on innocent lives by terrorist needs in Southern Kaduna needs a thorough checkmating.

At a press briefing they assured the citizens of Kaduna that the main aim and objective the organization is to restore peace in Southern Kaduna , Birnin Gwari and among other crises ridden area.