Death toll in fresh Southern Kaduna killings rises to 38

One of the victims, Ibrahim Dogara Kelson

The death toll in the attacks on Malagum 1 and Sokwong communities of Kagoro Chiefdom in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has risen to 38.

LIB earlier reported that 28 people were killed in the attacks by rampaging bandits in the communities on Sunday night, December 18, 2022. 

The Councilor representing Malagum 1 community, Atuk Stephen, confirmed the development to the PUNCH on Tuesday, December 20. 

Atuk lamented that all residents flee their communities to seek refuge in neighbouring villages.

He explained that 10 corpses were found discovered in Sokong, 20 motorcycles and 62 houses were completely razed down, while in Malagum 1 community, 28 dead bodies were recovered while 102 houses burnt down.

He described the situation as barbaric while calling on the government to urgently provide relief materials for the victims.

“As I am talking to you now, none of these villagers escaped with a single cup of beans. Their foodstuffs were completed burnt down. There is no any official IDP camp now, the victims are taking refuge in some neighbouring communities while some of them are in some primary schools,” Atuk disclosed.

He said the whole Kaura community was confused, saying that the attackers have vowed to return for another round of attack.

Atuk, also the Kaura council legislative speaker, expresses fear that elections might not likely hold in these vulnerable Communities.

“There are ongoing plans to disfranchise our people from participating in the 2023 general elections. The government must show its might in ensuring these terrorist are crushed while sanity should be restored before the elections,” he added.

A resident who spoke under condition of anonymity alleged that there was an attempted kidnapping in one of the community.

According to him, the local Fulanis who brought in militia could not settle them but the only way they could get money and settled them was to resort to kidnaping, get ransome and pay them.

“The attackers rustle some Cows and carted away food stuffs of the Villagers. We’re aggrieved for the loss of our love ones.

“No security stationed at the affected communities as talk to you now. We want the government to deployed security in the vulnerable communities that would help reduce tension,” the source added.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim Dogara Kelson, who was killed in the Sunday’s attack had mourned a family member murdered in another attack few days earlier.