BEVERLY HILLS, July 18, (THEWILL) – About 37 persons have been reported killed in a fresh violent clash between farmers and herdsmen in Kajuru local government area of Kaduna, about 60 kilometres away from the state capital
The fresh round of violence between farmers and herders in the state began on Sunday when some Fulani youths went to a village at Ungwan Uka to avenge the killing of a certain Fulani herdsman said to have been attacked and killed some days back by some Kadara youths at a farm at Banono village.
It was said that the Fulani man that was killed was a known bandit who has been harassing the people of the area and was killed by a mob while trying to escape.
When this happened, the matter was reportedly explained to the Fulani community in the area who also confirmed that the deceased was a bandit but their youths insisted on avenging the man.
“The Chief of kajuru even called them and spoke with them but we were surprised they came and carried out the attack,” he stated.
The Fulani youths, in a reprisal attack that occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, killed 5 of the Kadara youths identified as having a hand in the killing of the Fulani herdsman in the attack.
Their action, in turn, angered the Kadara youths who mobilized themselves on Monday and launched an attack on the surrounding Fulani settlements, burning their tents and other properties while killing no less than 12 persons in that attack.
After the attack, some security agents were drafted to the communities and things calmed down for the period they were around but violence returned when the security operatives left the bushes and the kadara youth launched another attack on the surrounding Fulani settlement and killed no less than 10.
Meanwhile, when contacted, the acting Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Yakubu Sabo said the police is aware of a misunderstanding among some individuals in the community which later led to a clash when some people took the laws into their hands adding that the police and the army have however gone to the place and brought the situation under control.
Sabo also said that the command was yet to confirm the number of casualties and promised that, as soon as he confirms the casualty, he will get back to the press.
