Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a total lockdown in Kaduna was initiated on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. From that date to today, Saturday, April 25, 2020, about 15 people have been killed in our various rural villagers by suspected armed herdsmen. This 15 is a conservative estimate since a lot of the attacks, especially in some villages goes unreported.
1. Monday, 30th March, 2020: A youth from Zangang village in Kaura Local Government was killed on his way to the farm. It is noteworthy that Zangang, a village of about hundreds of people has been abandoned now due to persistent attacks from armed herdsmen since 2013.
2. Thursday, 16 April 2020: A 20-year-old was shot dead around 11:45 pm when he steps out of his house to help his neighbour whose house was invaded by armed men at Gbagyi villa, Chikun LG.
3. Sunday, 19 April, 2020: Ungwan Magaji village in Kauru Local government was attacked around 6:45 pm. Four people were killed and houses burnt down, including food barns. The village was earlier attacked on Sunday, 13th 11, 2016 and 12 people killed, 45 houses burnt down.
4. Wednesday 22 April 2020: The son of the Paramount ruler of Godogodo chiefdom was violently abducted from his house in Antang. It is worth remembering that this place was attacked twice in 2016. The son was however released today, Saturday, April 25, 2020.
5. Thursday, 23 April 2020: Akunako village in Chikun Local government was attacked first around 6:30am and one person killed. It was also reported by a source in the village that one of the military men who responded to distress calls from the villagers was allegedly shot and killed. Then the armed Fulani men moved to the next village, Kaberasha, but the villagers, tipped by the attack on Akunako fled the village. The armed Fulani only succeeded in killing one person, but they stole food and burnt houses and food barns in both villages.
It is noteworthy that villages in Chikun local government are experiencing almost daily incidents of attacks, vandalisation and burning of houses, kidnapping and theft of food with most unreported. A lot of villages have been deserted.
6. Thursday, 23 April, 2020: Kujeni village in Kajuru Local government was attacked around 6:30 pm. They succeeded in burning down some houses. Two people were killed others injured.
7. Saturday, April 25, 2020: Kikwari village in Tantattu Ward of Kufana District, Kajuru LG was attacked around 5pm. Three people were killed while others sustained injuries.
Most of the victims stay in rural areas. They aren’t even bothered by COVID-19 nor are they asking for palliative. What they want is just to be secure so they can continue their farming, fishing or other activities. Rather, what they get daily is death, destruction, pain and displacement. The plight of these people is enough to get us angry and pleading on their behalf for more attention.
We are the only voices that some of these victims have. Yesterday it was them, tomorrow could be … or your village. Like you have noticed, these attackers don’t bother about your political leanings.
Reuben Buhari
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