Gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen on Sunday afternoon led fresh attacks on four communities in Southern Kaduna, killing 31 persons, including pregnant women and little children.

It was gathered that the militia herdsmen also burned down about 46 houses in Ungwan Rimi, Kitakum, Ungwan Magaji and Kigam communities of Kizakoro District in Chawai Chiefdom, Kauru Local Government of Kaduna State. The herdsmen took over the chiefdom after Sunday church services, and successfully carried out the killings and destruction of homes for almost seven hours uninterrupted.

This fresh attack came just a day after the launch of public apology billboard by the State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and the Chairman, Plateau State Traditional Council, Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Buba, declared the return of peace in the Southern Kaduna and an end to the incessant killings and attacks.

A resident of Kigam village, Mathias, said in a telephone conversation that “31 people were killed in the attack while about 46 houses were burnt.”

An official of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) who also compiled the list of the houses that were destroyed also put the death toll at 31.

According to the resident, two people were killed in Ungwan Rimi, one person in Kitakum, 17 people killed in Ungwan Magaji, and 11 person killed in Kigam community, totaling 31 people killed in the Sunday’s attack.

Confirming the attack, the Council Chairman of Kauru Local Government Area, Mr. Pius Bakam, said the casualties figure is over 30.

“I can confirm to you that there were attacks on our communities, the casualty figure is over 30, the youth are still searching for more dead bodies. The dead bodies will be given a mass burial tomorrow (today). The attack is unfortunate and condemnable,” the council chairman added.

•Adapted from a LEADERSHIP report. Photo shows armed herdsmen.

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