Eight killed in fresh attack Zangon Kataf attack

Gunmen were reported to have unleashed violence on Zangon Kataf in a fresh attack on Southern Kaduna communities, with eight persons killed and several others injured.

A statement signed by the spokesman of Southern Kaduna spokesman, Luka Binniyat, said during the attack, armed gunmen, identified as Fulani by affected natives, on Thursday evening, struck at Gora Gan village, Atyap Chiefdom in Zangon Council of Kaduna State and wiped out five members of a family and killed two others. 

“The invaders also burnt down 17 houses in the village and destroyed other assets.”

He listed victims of the attack as Ayuba Sheyin, Jummai Sheyin, Patience Sheyin, Goodluck Sheyin and Saviour Sheyin, who are also members of the same family, as well as Peter Akau and Joel Ishaya.

Binniyat said at least 17 homes were razed by the attackers, adding: “This will register as one of other attacks on the Atyap Chiefdom after a much celebrated and publicised peace accord was reached between elites of Atyap natives and their long-time settled Hausa/Fulani communities in August this year.

“It could be recalled the on November 15, the District Head of Ma’Zaki in Atyap Chiefdom, Mr. Haruna Kuye, was murdered along with his nine-year-old son, Destiny Haruna, while his wife and daughter survived with severe injuries inflicted on them.

“On Thursday, armed men paired on four motorbikes stormed Kujeni Tudu in Kajuru Council and attacked the Adara village, killing an elderly man, Bala Umaru, 75, and looted the village.

“In the pandemonium that ensued, four persons are still missing up to the time of writing this statement- Dada Bulus, 55; Peter Tanko, 43; Buba Yakubu, 51 and Emma Dauda, 38.

“This means that in one day, eight Southern Kaduna natives were killed in a campaign against our people by armed militia, who every surviving victim of the violence always identifies as Fulani.

“Information reaching SOKAPU says that four of the Gora Gan invaders were killed by troops of Operation Safe Haven, who came for rescue and that some carry identity cards showing where they come from. But that, we cannot confirm, as their bodies were not displayed.

“If the above assertion is true, then government should have no reason not to use this information for a holistic investigation on the fleeing murderers and unravel those behind them and their motives.”

He continued: “Part of Chikun Council bordering Niger State have been sacked and are now IDPs in many communities with their kinsmen in Niger State.

“The primary reason why a government is formed is to protect lives and property; any other reason is secondary. The Kaduna State and Federal Governments have failed in this regard, as scores of Southern Kaduna communities have been sacked and most of them occupied by the invaders after killing several and destroying communities.

“We are calling on the international community, humanitarian organisations, the United Nations (UN), relevant NGOs, both local and International, men and women of conscience to help us bear pressure on our governments to take the issue of security and safety of the residents of Kaduna State more seriously.”