Scores of people were feared killed Friday morning in clashes involving herdsmen and natives of Manchok villages in Southern Kaduna.

According to reports, the rampaging herdsman, for reasons yet unknown, invaded the villages killing people and injuring others. The development infuriated the relations of those killed in the attack, who then mobilised and raided the Fulani settlements in the neighborhood and killed some other people in a reprisal attack.

A family of seven was said to have been completely wiped out in the crisis, while some of their body parts were removed by their assailants.

Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero has expressed shock at the development, while security personnel have been deployed to the area.

Saturday Tribune reports that tension in the area has risen considerably, threatening to boil over and explode into a full sectarian crisis.

The governor and his security aides, according to an eyewitness, visited the area, particularly Ungwar Kajit in Manchok community of Kaura Local Government Area of the state, to commiserate with the people. He over described the attack as heinous and ungodly.

Yero said, “We pray that God should expose the people that are causing this problem. We pray that God should touch their hearts to stop such dastardly acts or destroy their evil machinations.”

He also called on residents of the community to remain calm as government would scale up its strategies to improve security, especially in border communities.

“We are going to look at ways of dealing with this situation, because this community is porous and we must find ways to improve security,” he said.

In an emotion-laden voice, the governor regretted that communities near the state boundaries, especially those that fringe states that have security challenges, have become vulnerable to attacks.

He further pleaded with the people of Ungwan Kajit to remain calm, saying “as a leader, I am not happy with such ugly situation and it is my responsibility to ensure security and peace for the entire people of the state.”

After addressing members of the community, the governor also called for prayers for the repose of the souls of those that were killed in the attack. The prayer was led by Reverend John Hayab.

Governor Yero also visited the palace of the traditional rule of the area where he commiserated with him over the incident.

Meanwhile, calm has returned to the area as armed security men have taken control, while religious and community leaders have continued to admonish indigenes of the state to remain peaceful and united in spite of tribal or religious differences.

•Credit (text only): Saturday Tribune. Photo shows Kaduna Governor Yero.