by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
A total of 23,000 residents of Kauru West, in Kauru LGA of Southern Kaduna, have been reportedly displaced, following fresh attacks by armed gunmen, with locals saying at least 32 villages have been affected in the last two weeks.
Community members, led by Rev. Musa Hassan Shadari of Fagenrawa Village, who spoke on the attacks on penultimate Sunday, said kidnappers armed with AK-47 rifles are currently operating in the area, making movement unsafe and scared.
“Good evening, Sir. These things have been happening since two weeks back and even now, if you go to our area you cannot come back alive because the kidnappers are there in our communities with AK-47,” according to the locals.
“32 villages affected, thousands taking refuges,” according to the residents, who claimed that the recent incidents in Chawai and Dingi involved more than 150 attackers, adding that the violence has forced people to flee to neighboring villages.
“They are not in primary but they are in neighboring villages. If you want to see them, I will gather 5,000 people to discuss with them, Sir,” other residents stated.
The locals estimated that roughly 23,000 people from Kauru West are now refugees within Kaduna State.
Some of the affected communities mentioned include: Kurera, Ungwan Haske, Ungwan Isah, Randa, Hayin Pastor, Makera, Gidan Kunkun, Dakatsalle, Nasawa, Akwaro, Gidan Kaza, Gidan Luka, Gidan Tela, Gidan Bulus, and Katsinawa. Residents said the full list runs to 32 villages.
“The government is not doing anything,” as the locals expressed frustration over the security situation and accused authorities of inaction.
“The government is not doing anything. They are just doing what they are doing. They are not doing anything,” one resident said. Another added: “That is the only self-defence we can do. The only thing that we can do is fight.”
They, therefore, appealed for urgent government intervention, citing the plight of women, children and other vulnerable families.
“Good evening, Sir. This is what is going on in Kauru West with our people. Remember, there are many children, women and other powerless families that are waiting for authority to make them smile,” a resident appealed.
Despite the criticism, some residents, however, acknowledged the support of security personnel on ground. “We are very grateful to the DPO for the support they have given us,” one of them said.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the Kaduna State Government or security agencies on the latest attacks in Kauru West.
However, further clarification from the local revealed that the DPO did not do anything to help matters, alleging that roughly 23,000 have so far been displaced.
“Good evening, Sir. Please, the issue of Chawai, they kill 32, in Dingi they killed 2 people, and in the issue of DPO, he did not do anything about the situation.
“In the issue of refugees, it’s 23,000, not 5,000; and, if you want to talk to them or see them, I will gather 5,000 people for you to discuss with them, Sir. Thank you,” he said.
On the issues of Kauru LG council chairman, Senator, Reps and State Assembly members from the areas, Rev. Muss stated that, “Our Chairman and our Reps members are aware of everything officially, because I wrote the letter to our chairman and we went to the House of our Reps and discussed with him about what is happening in our area, Sir.”