At least eight people have been killed in an attack by Fulani militias on Saturday, March 11, 2023, in Ungwan Wakili, Atyap Chiefdom, Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, according to a report by Daily Post.
The source cited in the report explained that a misunderstanding between security operatives and a Fulani man at a checkpoint in Ungwan Wakili led to the shooting of the Fulani man and a police officer, which subsequently escalated into a violent attack by the Fulani militias later in the day.
A group of youths who went fishing in the area were reportedly attacked by the Fulani militias, resulting in the death of one person who was macheted to death during the incident.
Security operatives were able to bring the situation under control, but the Zangon Kataf local government council chairman, Francis Sani, imposed a 24-hour curfew on four communities – Ungwan Juju, Mabuhu, Ungwan Wakili, and Zangon Urban – to prevent any further violence.
In a statement issued by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Executive Chairman, Yabo Chris Ephraim, on Saturday night, he said that the curfew was necessary to allow the Nigerian Army to restore peace in the affected areas.
The attack has sparked outrage among residents, who are calling on the government to take immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of the affected communities.
The Fulani militia attacks in Southern Kaduna and other parts of Nigeria have been a recurring issue for years, leading to the loss of countless lives and property. The attacks are mostly carried out by armed Fulani herdsmen, who are believed to be seeking grazing lands for their cattle.
Southern Kaduna has been a major target of these attacks, with the militia group raiding and destroying several communities. The attacks often result in the displacement of residents, who are forced to flee their homes in search of safety.
The government’s inability to effectively address the issue has worsened the situation, with many accusing the government of being complicit in the attacks. Some have also accused the government of failing to provide adequate security for the affected communities, thereby leaving them vulnerable to attacks.
The attacks have sparked outrage and condemnation from both local and international communities, with calls for the government to take decisive action to end the violence.
While some efforts have been made to address the issue, such as deploying security personnel to the affected areas, the attacks persist, and there seems to be no end to the conflict.
