Troops in search of thieves have allegedly opened fire at
Kwalakwangi village in Birnin Gwari local government area of Kaduna
state, killing dozens.
Armed robbers and rustlers believed to
be hiding in the village and adjoining communities have been attacking
travellers and herders.
Newsmen, who went to the area,
gathered that hundreds of soldiers were drafted to the location,
following incessant reports of robberies and rustling. Troops
cordoned-off the town after the operation and prevented relatives and
journalists from obtaining situation report. Over 40 people were said to
have been killed in the village alone.
A resident of Birnin
Gwari,
Shehu Hassan told the newsmen that many soldiers took part in the
operation which led to loss of many lives. “When the soldiers got there
the hoodlums initially engaged then in a gun battle but they were later
overpowered and retreated.
The thieves who were on motorcycles
were pursued by the soldiers. The soldiers later saw them in the
village fueling their motorcycles and started shooting everyone around.”
Idris
Musa Alhassan, Chairman Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, who
confirmed the incident told newsmen that some people were killed in the
incidents and many people have deserted the village.
“I am
appealing to everyone to be calm and law abiding and to refrain from
speculations. No one can ascertain the number of casualties or if there
are innocent people among the dead. Even though some of the villagers
have confirmed that some of the people killed are not thieves, no one
can say for sure except the military
who are in the position to explain that. Many of those affected by the
incident have been receiving relief materials,” he said.
Meanwhile,
most Kwalakwangi residents, including the village head have left the
area and are taking refuge in other neighboring villages.
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