At least 12 persons were feared dead in a renewed
attack on Sunday at Aso village in Jema’a Local Government Area, about 250 kilometres from Kaduna, the state
capital.
President,
Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU) Dr. Solomon Musa who confirmed it said
one person was
still missing and three critically injured.
The attack
took place in the same village where three persons were reportedly killed
by gunmen in February.
“Yes we are
aware that gunmen attacked a village called Aso on Easter Sunday and killed 12
people, one is still missing while three others sustained varying degrees of
injury. As at today, the situation has been brought under control and we just
pray and hope that all this killings will be genuinely brought under control,” Musa said.
“They were
armed with AK-47 riffles…they started shooting sporadically immediately they
entered the village,” he said.
He said the
latest attack was an indication that the security agencies could no longer
protect them.
“We are now
left with no option than to defend ourselves since the soldiers and policemen
deployed to ensure safety of lives and property have failed us.”
Interim
Management Committee Chairman of the Local government, Leo Shekari confirmed
the attack, which he described as unfortunate.
“I have
visited the scene and have also directed the Chief at the village to forward a
comprehensive report of what actually happened and the magnitude of damage. For
now, I cannot tell you in detail how
many were killed or otherwise.”
He urged the locals to remain calm saying
adequate security had been mobilised to the affected area.
Another
witness revealed that the incident
happened same day a peaceful coexistence meeting was held by the traditional
council with the Fulani community in the village.
“The meeting
ended amicably without any rancour until the unexpected happened later at
around 6:30pm. Twelve persons died of
bullet wounds when the attackers stormed the village and opened fire
sparodically on innocent persons. Three injured persons were rushed to
Kafanchan General Hospital. The incident took everyone by surprise because we
were all in Easter mood.”
Efforts to
speak with the Police Public Relations
Officer, ASP Aliyu Usman were unsuccessful as he neither responded to calls nor
short message to his mobile line as at press time.
While
condemning the killings, according to the Sun news, Governor Nasir
El-Rufai urged security personnel to redouble their efforts.
In a statement
by his spokesman, Samuel Aruwan, the governor, extended his condolence to the
families of the victims and charged security agents to redouble their efforts.
“Security
agencies should redouble their efforts in fishing out those behind the
killings, and act promptly on carefully vettedintelligence,” the statement
said.
The governor
also requested support from communities to the security agencies.
“The Nigerian
Army is set to commence a major operation tagged, ‘Operation Harbin Kunama II’…
communities should provide vital information that could aid a successful
clampdown on elements responsible for the terror attacks on our citizens.”
In December,
the Federal Government deployed troops to southern Kaduna to end the incessant
attacks and killings, but the attackers have managed to strike on a number of
occasions.
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