Monarch seeks extreme measure against Zangon Kataf killings

The paramount ruler of Atyap Chiefdom in Zangon Kataf Local Council of Kaduna State, Dominic Yahaya, has appealed to security agencies to put in place extreme security measures to address unwarranted killings within his domain.

Addressing the press in Kaduna, yesterday, the monarch noted that the killing of Rev. Silas Ali within Zango Urban settlement in Atyap on September 9, 2021, was among several unwarranted killings in the area.

“The following day, September 12, suspected herdsmen invaded Apyiah Ajiim community and killed 12 people, in another round of recurring attacks on Atyap. The victims included six women (two heavily pregnant), three men and three children.

“This occurred after the communities of Gora Gida, Wawa Rafi, Warkan, Manyie-Aywie, Ahtak- Kanai, Magata, Magauri, Matyei, Abuyab, Magamia, Makarau, Mayayit, Manchong, Ma’door and a host of other communities were serially attacked, and no fewer than 50 villagers were massacred, 254 homes and seven churches burnt in an unrestrained violence unleashed on poor, defenceless, innocent farmers of Atyap land,” he stated.

Yahaya averred that the recurring killings had reached the height of provocation and almost beyond control, as it had led many people within and outside the chiefdom to question the rationale behind the peace process they laboured to sustain for the restoration of peace to the chiefdom.

“I passionately appeal to the state and federal governments to come to the aid of these homeless peasants. Not fewer than 15,000 of them are now in internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps. Government should provide succour, particularly in the area of building materials, to enable them re-erect structures in their communities.

“I, therefore, call on security agents to adopt extreme measures towards containing these unwarranted and unprovoked orgy of killings.

“While sympathising with family members and relations who lost loved ones in these attacks, we pray God to grant the deceased eternal rest and console the bereaved families,” he said.