A witness, Freeman Sankey, told The Gazette Wednesday by phone that the soldiers had conducted a house-to-house search, arresting youth leaders who voiced out against the endless killings of their residents
Troops of the Nigerian Army have reportedly killed three women for demontrating against incessant arrest of their children by the military in Southern Kaduna, Peoples Gazette learnt.
The incident occurred Monday at Sagwaza, Bafai and Goran Gan communities in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of the State.
A witness, Freeman Sankey, told The Gazette Wednesday by phone that the soldiers had conducted a house-to-house search, arresting youth leaders who voiced out against the endless killings of their residents by Fulani herdsmen.
“Soldiers killed our mothers for protesting against the recent raid that led to the arrest of most of our youth leaders in Zango Kataf.”
“The soldiers went away with some of our brothers to an undisclosed location. Is It a crime to speak out against the ceaseless attacks by herdsmen in our community.?
“The security who are assigned to protect our lives and properties are the ones going about killing innocent and peaceful protesters,” Mr Sankey said.
“Our mothers were killed while they tried to prevent random arrest of their children,” he added.
A youth leader, Steven Kefas, in a tweet Tuesday disclosed that one of the victims, Naomi John was fatally shot by the military during the protest.
“Earlier today men of @NigerianArmy shot three women in Southern Kaduna. One of them Mrs Naomi John died of gunshot.
“Guess their crimes?
“They were protesting against incessant arrest of their children by the military,” Mr Kefas said.
Another resident in the community told The Gazette that the soldiers who carried out the attacks are stationed at Goran Gan village.
The army spokesman, Mohammed Yerima, did not respond to multiple calls and messages when contacted for comments from The Gazette Wednesday.
Armed Fulani herdsmen have launched series of attacks in communities across Southern Kaduna axis that has led to the deaths of many over the years.
The residents whose major occupation is farming have also lost their source of livelihoods due to the attacks.
Southern Kaduna have a fertile ground that cultivates ginger, a cash crop that can generate revenue for state and federal government when exported.
Most farmers have abandoned their farmlands over fears of attack by herders.
SOURCE: PEOPLES GAZETTE
