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Southern Kaduna Killings: Survivor Gives Gory Details On Attacks
By Emmanuel Awosika
A survivor of the recent spate of killings in Southern Kaduna, Mr. Cleophas Yohana, who spoke to the Vanguard newspaper, has given a graphic account of the massacre.
Yohana, a councillor in the Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, said the bandits had burned down houses and shot residents who tried to flee the carnage.
He added that the attackers had mutilated the bodies of the dead victims, removing eyes and other body parts for ritual purposes.
Yohana also revealed some shocking details about 8 the attack. According to him, many of the attackers were members of the community, until a recent disagreement had caused them to leave.
“The person that led the attack was the Ardo, Fulani word for a community leader, in our area, who left the community. He was staying in the community before.
“Those who were hiding in maize farms during the attack saw him. He has a younger brother, who came with him. Two other Fulani people, who were staying in the community, accompanied them for the attack.
“They led the attacks alongside mercenaries they invited. They know every route and exit. That was why they carried out the attacks with precision,” he added.
He also accused security operatives in the area of providing support for the bandits. In his statement, the security agents, instead of apprehending the attackers, had provided cover for them to safely exit.
He said, “When the security agents arrived at Kurmin Masara, the attackers were hailing them. Instead of shooting them, they escorted them until they exited from Kurmin Masara. The security vehicle was giving them cover until they found an exit.”
Even with the worsening security situation, the councillor indicated that some residents had no plans to leave their communities.
“The men said they are going nowhere. They are staying back to defend their land. Some men are also running. We are not stopping those who have decided to leave. We are here and would secure our place by the grace of God,” he explained.
