Violence in Kaduna over killing of herder

• Don’t capitalise on Hanifa’s murder to extort schools, PDP warns Ganduje
• Plan International urges child protection in schools

Violence erupted in Kaduna State, yesterday, when a herder was killed following an argument with some farmers over encroachment of animals.

The herder was reportedly beheaded and his head taken away, as the other herders grazing in the area managed to escape with their animals.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government has condemned the renewed killings in the border areas of Kauru and Zangon Kataf local councils as reported by security agencies in those locations.

It appealed to residents who lost their loved ones to allow the authorities manage the situation.

MEANWHILE, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cautioned Kano State government against taking advantage of Hanifa Abubakar’s murder to extort money from operators of private schools in the state.

The opposition party, however, applauded the efforts of security agencies in the investigation, arrest and prosecution of the suspected killers of the five-year-old.

A statement signed by Kano PDP Chairman Shehu WadaSagai, yesterday, urged the state government to abide by the laws guiding operations of private schools, rather than act out of sentiments.

PLAN International has called on the government to protect children in schools.

The call was made against the backdrop of increasing violence on children across the country, especially the kidnap and murder of five-year-old Hanifa by her school’s proprietor as well as the slashing of a student’s throat in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Country Director of Plan International Nigeria, Charles Usie, described school as a hallowed ground for children and learners that must never be allowed to be desecrated, saying the rising attacks on schools and innocent children by mean-spirited people should never be allowed to take root.