
Residents of Ugama village in Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, are reeling from a deadly attack by suspected cattle rustlers on Thursday, which left at least 20 people dead and the community in ruins.
Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants, believed to be Fulani herders, launched a brutal assault on the village, killing residents in what appeared to be ritualistic acts. Survivors said the attackers, armed with guns, machetes, and knives, also looted livestock and set homes ablaze, leaving scores injured and homeless.
One resident, Malam Yusufa Ugama, who narrowly escaped, recounted the horror. "They came heavily armed, claiming to be cattle rustlers, and began slaughtering people. After the killings, they looted our livestock and burned the village," he said.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but sources in the community hinted at a possible link to a land dispute involving the villagers and their chief, whose name has not been disclosed. The alleged disagreement reportedly centered on the sale of communal farmland.
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, DSP Mansur Hassan. However, Hassan noted that no formal complaints had been filed by the villagers or any group regarding the attack or the alleged perpetrators.
"We are aware of the incident, but no official report has been lodged yet. Investigations are ongoing to establish the facts and bring the culprits to justice," Hassan stated.
The attack has left Ugama village in fear, with residents calling on authorities to enhance security and provide relief for those affected. The incident underscores the growing insecurity in parts of Kaduna State, where clashes between farmers, herders, and armed groups have led to devastating consequences.
Local leaders and humanitarian organizations have been urged to intervene promptly to assist displaced residents and address the root causes of the violence.
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