Death Toll in Kaduna Attacks Rises to 28

Police Headquarters

The death toll from March 30 attack on some villages in Atakad chiefdom of Kaura Local Government Area  of Kaduna State has risen to 28, while refugee camp in the area has swollen with about 10,000 displaced villagers whose houses and food stuff were burnt during the attacks.

The Chief of Atakad, Mr. Tobias Nkom Wada, disclosed this Wednesday, when members of the House of Representatives from the southern part of the state visited the affected communities.

Wada, who briefed the lawmakers in Tachire village, where he was taking refuge, alleged that the attack was carried out by suspected Fulani herdsmen, who sacked four villages in the area.

The Atakad chief, who lamented that the attackers have occupied the hilly areas of the Atakad chiefdom, explained that the people in the area were now living in perpetual fear of the unknown.

Wada said he was shocked with the level of destruction in the wake of the attacks, stressing that the attack was mainly targeted at his people because no Fulani was hurt during the invasion.

According to him, “On March 20, it was discovered that one of our sons was found with deep cuts and his throat slit in the bush in one of the villages up the hills.

“The Fulani were the suspects, because prior to now, there had been minor problems over gracing issues. And in May last year, cattle rustlers who came to steal cows from Atakad villages up to the hills were pursued and one of them caught after they attacked and killed one of us.

“Even that one was not hurt, as he was handed over to the authorities. We have never hurt any Fulani here before. This time, the Fulani were the suspect again. So my people lost patience and the best way they thought of venting their anger was to attack my palace and women and children.

“They vandalised my palace, that is why I am taking refuge in this my family compound in Tachire, instead of  receiving you in my palace at Fadan Atakad. While my palace was being vandalised, the Fulani left for Ganawuri in Riyom local government area of Plateau State and came attacking Atakad people, and there was a fight that lasted for three days, until the Joint Task Force (JTF) came and stopped the fight.”

Wada said: “We found corpses of 28 people and at least 200 houses were burnt in one of the villages that our people could count with the help of soldiers.

“As the soldier left last Tuesday, the Fulani have taken over the villages. No one can go back up the hill. Now, the rains have started. Some have lost their love ones and are living as refugees. They cannot go back and farm, after their entire food crops have been burnt. Next year will be terrible.

“I am pleading with government to send security so that we can go back and start our normal lives all over again. As Christians, I call on my people to forgive. And keep living in peace with the Fulani like we have ever done ever since,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, at the refugee camp at Model Primary School in Fadan Atakad, Hon. Godfrey Gaya, said they felt deeply touched about killings and the destruction of property, which has put the people of the area in a difficult condition.

“We have come here to tell you that any pain on any member of southern Kaduna is a pain on all. We have come here as one. We know how dignified, respectable and gentle the Atakad people are. For you to be reduced to this level of destitution  to live in primary  schools after losing your love ones and fortunes, is indeed sad, and we grief with you.

“But, as Christians, we must learn to forgive, but we must be vigilant. And we are proud that you have not tried to retaliate, please keep that spirit, as we will do our best to bring in relive materials and present this sad story to the House in Plenary  when we return from our break”, he said.

Other members of the House from the Southern part of Kaduna, who visited the area include: Hon. Gideon Gwani (Kaura Federal Constituency), Hon. Adams Jagaba Adams (Kachia/Kagarko Constituency), Hon. Simon Arabo (Kauru Federal Constituency) and Hon. Shehu N. Garba (Jema’a/Sanga Constituency).