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SUNDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 9, 2020, PAGE 11 What happened last Wednesday in your locality? In my place, Kurmin Masara, we lost 15 <strong>people</strong>. Kurmin Masara is divided into three and we are in <strong>the</strong> old Kurmin Masara. We have Atak’Mawei, Takwa Isah and Kurmin Masara. These are <strong>the</strong> areas we lost <strong>people</strong>. We lost three in Kurmin Masara. We lost 12 <strong>people</strong> in Takwa Isah and Atak’Mawei. That brings <strong>the</strong> number to 15. Before <strong>the</strong> attacks, <strong>the</strong>re was a rumour that <strong>the</strong>y were coming to attack us, using four groups. We were imagining how that could be possible, only to hear gunshots a few minutes past midnight. We wondered what could be responsible for <strong>the</strong> gunshots. We called different communities to know whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> attackers were <strong>the</strong> ones shooting, but <strong>the</strong>y said no. Shortly after that, we started hearing more gunshots. It was strong and loud because <strong>the</strong>y were using high calibre weapons. When we heard that, we knew <strong>the</strong>y were attacking a neighbouring community, Apyia’Shyim, in Kibori. While going to render help, some of us were close to <strong>the</strong> area but learnt that <strong>the</strong>y were already attacking our place. We had to return home to help <strong>the</strong> situation. What did you see upon returning home? When we got home, we saw that everywhere was burning. <strong>They</strong> set many houses ablaze. More than half of <strong>the</strong> houses in our place were burnt down. <strong>They</strong> burnt some <strong>people</strong> with <strong>the</strong>ir children inside <strong>the</strong>ir rooms. Some, after shooting <strong>the</strong>m, <strong>the</strong>y cut <strong>the</strong>m with machetes. <strong>They</strong> <strong>removed</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>eyes</strong> of some victims and went away with <strong>the</strong>m. Elsewhere, <strong>the</strong>y <strong>killed</strong> seven <strong>people</strong>. A victim’s corpse was discovered yesterday. We had thought <strong>the</strong> number was six. After killing him, <strong>the</strong>y <strong>removed</strong> several parts from his <strong>body</strong> and went away with <strong>the</strong>m for ritual purposes. When <strong>the</strong>y had succeeded in killing <strong>people</strong> and destroying houses, security agents came, distracted <strong>the</strong> attention of <strong>the</strong> <strong>people</strong> and brought three vehicles from Zango, where soldiers are camping and moved <strong>the</strong>m out of <strong>the</strong> environment. In trying to escape, some of <strong>the</strong>m who could not enter <strong>the</strong> cars left through a community, Magamia where <strong>the</strong>y shot two <strong>people</strong> dead. These <strong>people</strong> were not even included in <strong>the</strong> number. Therefore, if we add this number, we may have up to 24. When <strong>the</strong> security agents arrived at Kurmin Masara, <strong>the</strong> attackers were hailing <strong>the</strong>m. Instead of shooting <strong>the</strong>m, <strong>the</strong>y escorted <strong>the</strong>m until <strong>the</strong>y exited from Kurmin Masara. The security vehicle was giving <strong>the</strong>m cover until <strong>the</strong>y found an exit. The attackers came with cars that <strong>the</strong>y used in carting away choice property. Before any house was burnt, <strong>the</strong>y went in and selected <strong>the</strong> type of property <strong>the</strong>y wanted. Up until now, we have not heard anything from government, especially Kaduna State government. <strong>They</strong> have nei<strong>the</strong>r condemned <strong>the</strong> attack nor sympathised with <strong>the</strong> <strong>people</strong> in <strong>the</strong> area. Government is doing nothing to help <strong>the</strong> situation. The happenings show that <strong>the</strong>y are behind <strong>the</strong>se <strong>people</strong>, who <strong>the</strong>y said are on revenge missions. As a councillor, representing Zamando Ward, I am saddened by <strong>the</strong> situation. Wounded <strong>people</strong> are lying in hospitals without money to pay for hospital bills. No<strong>body</strong> is coming to <strong>the</strong>ir aid. How come <strong>the</strong> communities were overpowered even when you have local vigilante groups? The attacks were planned in such a way that even if a neighbouring community wants to assist ano<strong>the</strong>r under attack, it won’t be possible. The attacks happened simultaneously so that <strong>people</strong> won’t be able to assist those in distress. <strong>They</strong> said <strong>the</strong>y are going to return for ano<strong>the</strong>r attack. <strong>They</strong> said those <strong>the</strong>y targeted were not <strong>killed</strong>. •Yohana <strong>They</strong> have specific <strong>people</strong> <strong>the</strong>y want to kill. We don’t know what we did wrong. We have been keeping <strong>the</strong>m in our communities for decades without knowing that it would result in mass killing of natives. In fact, <strong>the</strong>y put <strong>the</strong>ir belongings in some of <strong>the</strong> houses that were destroyed. The person that led <strong>the</strong> attack was <strong>the</strong> Ardo, Fulani word for a community leader, in our area, who left <strong>the</strong> community. He was staying in <strong>the</strong> community before. Those who were hiding in maize farms during <strong>the</strong> attack saw him. He has a younger bro<strong>the</strong>r, who came with him. Two o<strong>the</strong>r Fulani <strong>people</strong>, who were staying in <strong>the</strong> community, accompanied <strong>the</strong>m for <strong>the</strong> attack. <strong>They</strong> led <strong>the</strong> attacks alongside mercenaries <strong>the</strong>y invited. <strong>They</strong> know every route and exit. That was why <strong>the</strong>y carried out <strong>the</strong> attacks with precision. You said <strong>the</strong> <strong>people</strong> who led <strong>the</strong> attacks were residing in your community. What could have made <strong>the</strong>m attack <strong>the</strong> same <strong>people</strong> <strong>the</strong>y had lived with and were <strong>the</strong>y driven out of <strong>the</strong> community? No<strong>body</strong> drove <strong>the</strong>m away. When <strong>the</strong>y were leaving, <strong>the</strong> community told <strong>the</strong>m not to leave. The community went as far as asking <strong>the</strong>m why <strong>the</strong>y were leaving but <strong>the</strong>y didn’t give any reason. What really transpired on June 10, 2020, was what led to all <strong>the</strong>se killings. <strong>They</strong>, Fulani, slaughtered one Chaweh indigene. His name is Yusuf Magaji. After <strong>the</strong> killing, <strong>people</strong> were busy searching for his corpse. When <strong>the</strong> corpse was found, we realised <strong>the</strong>y were <strong>the</strong> <strong>people</strong> that <strong>killed</strong> him. When <strong>the</strong>y knew that <strong>the</strong> corpse had been found, <strong>the</strong>y started to run away because <strong>the</strong>y knew what <strong>the</strong>y had done. <strong>They</strong> knew <strong>the</strong> reaction that would follow. We tried to discourage <strong>the</strong>m from leaving, but <strong>the</strong>y refused and ran away. It was after <strong>the</strong>y left that <strong>the</strong>y returned to attack us. We can’t say what we have done to have warranted <strong>the</strong> killings. After <strong>the</strong> attacks, what is <strong>the</strong> situation in your community? There are <strong>people</strong> currently in <strong>the</strong> community, but some are moving out. As I am talking now, Friday evening, my wife has left for Kaduna because she was scared of staying back. Today, my mo<strong>the</strong>r and o<strong>the</strong>r family members are leaving. Since <strong>the</strong> CHILLING ACCOUNT OF S/KADUNA KILLINGS: <strong>They</strong> <strong>killed</strong> <strong>people</strong>, <strong>removed</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>eyes</strong>, o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>body</strong> parts — Survivor •Says attackers threatened to return The attacks were planned in such a way that even if a neighbouring community wants to assist ano<strong>the</strong>r under attack, it won’t be possible By Charles Kumolu, Deputy Editor O ne of <strong>the</strong> survivors of last Wednesday’s attacks in some Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Kaduna communities, Mr. Cleophas Yohana, in this exclusive interview, gives chilling details of <strong>the</strong> incidents. Yohana, a councillor in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, says attackers mutilated <strong>the</strong> <strong>body</strong> of casualties and threatened to return. He also accuses security agents of providing cover for perpetrators despite <strong>the</strong> curfew imposed by <strong>the</strong> state government. •One of <strong>the</strong> destroyed houses in Kurmin Masara. •Ano<strong>the</strong>r damaged house attackers said <strong>the</strong>y are returning, many <strong>people</strong> are leaving. Only <strong>the</strong> men said <strong>the</strong>y are going nowhere. <strong>They</strong> are staying back to defend <strong>the</strong>ir land. Some men are also running. We are not stopping those who have decided to leave. We are here and would secure our place by <strong>the</strong> grace of God. An audio message was released by <strong>the</strong> attackers. In <strong>the</strong> message, <strong>the</strong>y said we would be driven away from this land. <strong>They</strong> said <strong>the</strong>y would drive us away to Jos where we would meet our bro<strong>the</strong>rs. <strong>They</strong> added that even in Jos, <strong>the</strong>y would attack us and slaughter us. The message is circulating on WhatsApp. The message was recorded in Hausa language. Where specifically are <strong>the</strong> displaced <strong>people</strong> now? Some are in our primary school. Some refused to go to Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, camps. <strong>They</strong> went to meet <strong>the</strong>ir relatives in <strong>the</strong> city while some are still wandering about. <strong>They</strong> don’t have anywhere to go. Some were calling me to come, but because of <strong>the</strong> number of visitors, I am receiving I have not done that. I will do so today. The community decided to bury <strong>the</strong> dead a day after <strong>the</strong> attack. I have pictures of <strong>the</strong> dead and burnt houses. Since it appears <strong>the</strong> place is not secure, what is giving you and o<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>the</strong> sense of security to stay back? We have local vigilante groups who are moving around to see what <strong>the</strong>y can do. The community is organising itself in such a way that we can secure <strong>the</strong> place. If we decide to run away, <strong>the</strong>y would bring <strong>the</strong>ir cows, destroy our crops and do unimaginable things. Before leaving, <strong>the</strong>y said <strong>the</strong>y would return with <strong>the</strong>ir cows, settle <strong>the</strong>re and see who would come and remove <strong>the</strong>m. Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Kaduna <strong>people</strong> have said severally that land is central to <strong>the</strong> killings. Is land also a major reason for this attack on your community? This is <strong>the</strong> first time <strong>the</strong>y are attacking our community because <strong>the</strong>y want to take our land. It won’t be possible for <strong>the</strong>m. Their mission is to take over <strong>the</strong> land. <strong>They</strong> have been trying to buy farmlands in our place and our <strong>people</strong> have been refusing. <strong>They</strong> want us to agree so that <strong>the</strong>y can be doing whatever <strong>the</strong>y want to do and our <strong>people</strong> are not ready for that. We know <strong>the</strong> type of <strong>people</strong> <strong>the</strong>y are. If you allow <strong>the</strong>m, a million of <strong>the</strong>m would come and occupy <strong>the</strong> community and you would no longer have a say in your place. The governor even said we don’t want to accommodate strangers in our villages. Such a statement can cause problems. It has fur<strong>the</strong>r fuelled <strong>the</strong> crisis. What <strong>the</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Kaduna Peoples Union, SOKAPU, President said is what is really happening. Laduga is part of Zangon Kataf. <strong>They</strong> <strong>removed</strong> a part and joined it with Kachia simply because <strong>the</strong>y want <strong>the</strong> population of Muslims to be larger than that of Christians. <strong>They</strong> did it to ensure that <strong>the</strong>y would have numeric strength over us during elections. By <strong>the</strong> time <strong>the</strong>y add what <strong>the</strong>y have in Zaria axis, <strong>the</strong>y would have numeric edge over us. That is <strong>the</strong>ir target. The plan is to bring <strong>people</strong> here and give <strong>the</strong>m an emirate because <strong>the</strong>y don’t want to live under our kings. <strong>They</strong> don’t like <strong>people</strong> ruling over <strong>the</strong>m. Anywhere <strong>the</strong>y settle, <strong>the</strong>y want to be <strong>the</strong> king of <strong>the</strong> natives. The promise that <strong>the</strong>y would have an emirate is among <strong>the</strong> things making <strong>the</strong>m embark on <strong>the</strong> killings.
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