As armed bandits wreaked havoc in Zangon Kataf, Kaduna State, yesterday, killing nine people, the President of the Nigeria Baptist Conversation, Reverend Israel Akanji has said the Federal Government has been overwhelmed in the fight against insurgency, banditry and kidnapping in the country.
Suspected Fulani herdsmen again invaded Warkan village in Zangon Kataf local council of the state and allegedly killed nine persons while many others were injured in the early hours of yesterday.
The suspected Fulani herdsmen were said to have come in large numbers and stormed the village around 2.00 am while the people were all asleep.
A source in Zangon Kataf said that “so many houses were razed down and property destroyed by the attackers as they invaded the village.”
According to him, many the injured of persons were receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.
“The entire village is in confusion and the destruction by the suspected Fulani herdsmen is unbelievable; what they did cannot be imagined and many are left homeless and do not know what to do as we were left to carry our cross.
“As l am talking to you, security personnel have taken over the village trying to ensure confidence in the hearts of the people and to avert any further attack by the suspected herdsmen,” the source said.
When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mohammed Jalige, said he was not aware of the development but promised to get back to The Guardian after calling the Police Area Commander but had not called as at the time of filing this report.
However, Governor Nasir El-rufai has condemned the fresh killings in Zango Kataf.
His Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said that the security operatives have responded to the situation.
He said: “The governor condoled the families that lost their loved ones and wished the citizens who sustained injuries speedy recovery. He also directed the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency to urgently assess damages at Warkan village and provide relief materials to the affected citizens.
“The disappearance of five youths from Kafanchan town of Jema’a LGA was also reported today by the security agencies. The governor appealed to the affected families to remain calm as security agencies are investigating the incidences.
“The governor has been receiving hourly briefings from action agencies on the attack at Warkan village in Zangon Kataf LGA, as well as the general security situation in the state.”
Meanwhile, President of Nigeria Baptist Conversation, Rev’d. Akanji led hundreds of parents, relatives and clergymen in a prayer sessions for the release of the 121 students that were kidnapped by bandits, lamenting that the Nigerian military and other security operatives have lost the capacity to protect Nigerians.
He told the aggrieved parents, “I spoke with the state governor, Malam Nasir El-rufai and he said that the government will work seriously for the release of the students.
“I want to believe the governor that he meant what he was saying and that is why we are praying that all the students would be released soon.”
