A barbaric attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen on Godogodo town, Jema’ah Local Government Area, Kaduna State, has left at least 40 natives dead.
The National President of Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union (SOKAPU), Solomon Musa, said, as at Monday, the community had been able to identify not less than 40 corpses, apart from several other corpses burnt beyond recognition.
The killings, which took place between Saturday and Sunday, has been widely condemned.
Meanwhile, the interim Chairman of Jema’ah Local Government Council, Dr. Humble Katuka, has imposed a 24-hour curfew on the LGA.
The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Barnabas Bala, described the attack as unjustifiable, while the Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union described it as barbaric.
Bala, who addressed pressmen, however, appealed for calm.
He said, “This type of attack is unjustifiable and unacceptable. Every effort is being made to restore peace to the area. We strongly appeal for support as security agencies work round the clock to make the affected area safe.”
The national president of SOKAPU said Godogodo community had been deserted as a result of the attack.
“Godogodo town, once again, came under an unprovoked attack by Fulani herdsmen from Saturday, October 15, 2016 to Sunday, October 16. This is despite the frantic calls for help from the villagers on those constitutionally saddled with the task of safeguarding Nigerian citizens,” he said.
Apart from the loss of lives, Musa said almost all houses in the town had been burnt.
He said, “The herdsmen wreaked maximum havoc by killing our people. So far, the people of the town have been able to identify not less than 40 corpses aside from the several other corpses burnt beyond recognition. Virtually, all the houses in the town have been burnt.”
However, the Police Public Relations Officer, Kaduna State Command, Aliyu Usman, put the death toll at 20.
The driver said a riot broke out in the streets, but soldiers and policemen ultimately intervened to contain the carnage.
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