At least two persons were killed yesterday in fresh clashes between farmers and herders in Zaman Chawai, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to reports, trouble started when a herder, Yusuf Mahmuda, was attacked and, beheaded.
Mahmuda, a resident of the community, was grazing with other herders in the bushes adjoining some farms, when an argument ensued over encroachment into farmlands.
Other herders in the area managed to escape, reports said.
The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, in a statement, explained that, “subsequently, an inter-ethnic communal clash erupted during peak market hours in Bakin Kogi Market of Kauru Council located near its boundaries with Zangon Kataf Council.
“One Ahmad Aliyu was killed in the violent attack, while two residents, Esther Thomas and Tanko Dakar, were injured and a vehicle was burnt. The situation was brought under control by troops of Operation Safe Haven who then escorted buyers and sellers to safety.
“Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed his sadness at the reports and sorely lamented the eruption of violent attacks and clashes in the general area. He expressed deep concern that despite the efforts and hard work of the government, security forces and other critical stakeholders to ensure the gradual return of peace, the killings had caused a setback which must not be allowed to gain ground.
“He condoled (with) the families of those killed, and prayed for the repose of their souls, while wishing the injured a quick recovery.”
The governor, according to the statement, has tasked security agencies to thoroughly investigate the attacks and urged the residents to avoid acts that can escalate the violence.
Meanwhile, patrols have been intensified in the affect areas.
