Another round of crisis which erupted between farmers and herders in Kaduna State has left 37 persons dead with several others injured in the last two days.

The incident occurred in Kajuru Local Government Area, about 50 kilometres from Kaduna, the state capital.

The violence was said to have started on Sunday, when some Fulani youths went to a village at Ungwan Uka to avenge the killing of a herdsman. The herdsman was said to have been attacked and killed a few days ago by some Kadara youths at a farm at Banono village.

A witness confirmed the killing, but said the Fulani who was killed was a known bandit who had been harassing the people of the area. The witness said the Fulani was killed by a mob while trying to escape.

According to him, the matter was explained to the Fulani in the area as they also knew the man to be a bandit, but their youths insisted on avenging the man’s death.

“The chief of Kajuru even called them and spoke with them, but we were surprised that in the early hours of Sunday, they came and carried out the attack,” the witness added.

Our correspondent learnt that the Fulani youths killed five of the youth identified to have had a hand in the killing of the Fulani herdsman. 

Their action, however, angered Kadara youths who in turn mobilised themselves on Monday and launched an attack on the surrounding Fulani settlements, burning their tents and other property. They also killed about 12 people.

Another witness, Salisu Mohammed, said some security agents were drafted to the communities and things calmed down for the period they were around.

Mohammed said things got out of hand again when they left the bush and Kadara youths launched another attack on the surrounding Fulani settlements and killed some others.

He said: “These are the ones whose bodies have been recovered. As I’m talking with you, we don’t know the actual number of casualties as our people are scattered all over running for their lives.”

Mohammed said the victims were buried in a mass grave and that while at the site of the burial, they also received information to prepare for the burial of another nine whose bodies were recovered at various points in the surrounding bushes.

A Kadara youth, Cafra Cairo, said the youth had been restive following the attacks, but their elders were trying to calm the restive youths as there was tension in the area.

He said: “We’ve been hearing of several attacks, but when I called people in some of the communities, they said they were not true.”

Cairo, however, said that no less than 10 persons had been killed so far.

When contacted, the state acting Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Yakubu Sabo, said the police were 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.

Sabo said the police and soldiers had gone to the place and brought the situation under control.

He said: “Not only the police, but the joint patrol comprising the police and soldiers are still there and the situation has been brought under control.

“I spoke with them this afternoon and they confirmed to me they are still there. There is no way this type of thing will happen and we will just withdraw like that.”

Sabo, however, said the police were yet to confirm the number of casualties.

He said: “As soon as I confirm the casualty, I will let you know. But for now, we don’t know.”

New Telegraph