The Headquarters 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna has denied stories making the rounds especially on the social media claiming the killing of 17 suspected herdsmen by soldiers deployed in southern Kaduna.
This was contained in a statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna on Tuesday and signed by the deputy director, Army public relations, Colonel Kingsley Umoh.
According to the statement, “While it would have been very convenient to ignore such unfounded and irresponsible story, the importance of safe-guarding lives and preventing more losses supersedes that convenience.”
The statement noted that, “For the avoidance of doubt, at about 10.30pm on Sunday 19 March 2017, troops responded to a distress call of an attack on Asso Village, in Asso District of Kagoma Chiefdom In Jema’a LGA.”
“A phone call to the Chief of Kagoma confirmed that a man was ‘matcheted’ to death in the bush by suspected herdsmen, but that the situation was under control.”
However, about 5am On Monday, a call from the zonal chairman of Miyetti Allah in Kafanchan indicated that after the killing of the victim by unknown persons, the natives mobilised and attacked some herdsmen settlements, with 2 boys missing and feared to have been killed.
The statement further said, “Troops responded again to stabilize the situation. Later same day, at about 11am, one Mr Steven James, 55-year-old farmer at Asso Village in Kwoi was found dead. Tension in the area was getting higher while troops battled to calm the situation. In the process, troops came in contact with unknown gunmen about 5km east of Asso.
During the firefight one gunman was killed and one captured. Troops remained in pursuit and conducted clearance operations around Gada Biyu, Gidan Waya, Jagindi, Getti Village and Bakin Kogi axes. On Wednesday 22 March 2017, further clearance operations into Asso Forest led to the arrest of 3 suspected gunmen. While one later died from gunshot injuries, 2 are still being interrogated.
“In total, 2 miscreants were killed and 2 in custody in Southern Kaduna within the period from 19-22 March 2017. Cordon and search operations were conducted at Getti. No incriminating items were recovered. Troops maintain day and night patrols along Gidan Waya-Jagindi-Asso Road and environs.
Again, this is another opportunity to appeal to citizens, community leaders and other stakeholders to always speak and act in the interest of peace. It serves no useful purposes to continue to fabricate stories about the already delicate security situation in southern Kaduna, the statement warned.
Troops of 1 Division remain resolute in their commitment to the return of peace to the entire area of responsibility. The command therefore implores all law abiding citizens to go on with their legitimate business as no amount of falsehood will deter the troops from ensuring security in their domains. The citizenry are encouraged to come forward with useful information that can assist the troops in the performance of their duties.
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