The Centre Initiative for Development and Fundamental Rights Advocacy (CEDRA) has berated those behind last Wednesday’s attack on Fadan-Karshi, Sanga Local Government of Kaduna State, describing it as barbaric. Over 50 persons, including a pastor, four pregnant women, children and a soldier, were killed in the attack by unknown gunmen.

CEDRA in a statement issued by Dr. John Danfulani lamented that the assailants annihilated many people, wounded over 40, burned down homes, and destroyed farmlands.

“Not long ago, the same area witnessed mass killings by the same unknown gunmen. Inasmuch as we know that the country is facing difficult security challenges,we believe government’s reaction in terms of providing relief to the affected communities and injured persons leaves much more to be desired. Many a times, their interventions are too little too late, despite having agencies like NEMA and SEMA at the federal and State levels. Worse, is government’s lack of moral courage to boldly accept failure in its number one duty- which is safeguarding lives and properties,” the statement said.

The Kaduna-based group also slammed elected and appointed public office holders from Southern Kaduna, stating: “They are a gigantic disappointment for their refusal to draw the attention of government to attacks in Southern Kaduna.”

Reacting to the tragic development, Vice Chairman of the LGA, Pastor Bulus Mandey Anzah, lamented: “The attacks are getting worse everyday. Some of the soldiers who attempted to repeal the attack were also injured. Another soldier was killed. Many of the injured are now receiving treatment at the Gwantu General Hospital.”

An official of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) who didn’t want his name mention because he was not authorised to speak with press, put the number of Internally Displaced Persons from the attacks at over 10,000.

•File photo shows a distraught woman crying over the needless waste of lives in Southern Kaduna.