Misisi, a quiet farming village, about seven kilometers from embattled Godogodo town, in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was attacked by armed men, on Thursday night, leaving the village head, John Zogo, 85, and six others dead.
Acting Chairman of Jema’a LGA, Dr. Humble Katuka, and a community representative confirmed the incident to newsmen in Kaduna yesterday.
The development has ignited tension in many communities in Southern Kaduna where alleged armed herdsmen have invaded communities and killed scores since July this year.
The Nation observed that security has since been beefed up in the major town of Kafanchan, while police and army vans patrol villages in a show of strength.
Speaking on the attack, Katuka said: “I was briefed that the soldiers drafted to help secure this area noted that some youths were parading some locally-made firearms publicly. It was noted to the youths that the Pasakori axis was notorious for armed robbery and other criminalities and as such, they should show restrain in displaying their weapons.
“A meeting was then scheduled by one Major Mbaim (full names not given) who is in-charge of the soldiers on ground. The meeting was between the Army and the villagers, especially the youths, and it was about their weapons. It was in Misisi village.
“I was told that as soon as they went into the talks, gun shots were heard in the village. Everyone scampered for safety, including the soldiers. The shooting lasted for less than 15 minutes. At the end, six people were killed, including the village head, and 16 houses were burnt. Some of the gunmen were said to be wearing what looked like Army uniform.
“The Hilux belonging to the Army was shot at. Those who survived said even the soldiers were fighting back for their lives. They said it was not true that it was the soldiers that turned their guns on the villagers. I have been in touch with Lt. Col Bello and he affirmed the same. He is the officer in charge of the troops in Jema’a. It was an unfortunate incident,” he said.
But, the Kaninkon Development Association, KADA, in a press statement made available to newsmen yesterday in Kaduna, said seven persons were killed, alleging a conspiracy between the army and the invaders.
The statement signed by its National Chairman, Mr. Waje Goska Williams, gave the names of the victims as: John Zogo, 85, (village head); Yakubu Abuja, 80; Adamu Bulus, 30 and Majhe Audu, 50. Others were Karu Amos, 42; Confidence Kibadu, 29 and Kurma Amo, 44.
Part of the statement reads: “This attack is clearly pre-planned and there seems to be a clear conspiracy on the part of the government, the army and security agents to look the other way while the killings and destructions are going on. It is clearly a plan of genocide against the Kaninkon people.”
The Kaduna State Police spokesman, ASP Aliyu Usman confirmed the incident, but said he was given a casualty figure of four.
“I was informed that four people were killed. We are working at getting the criminals,” he said.