Persons allegedly arrested as bandits demand apology from military

By Enekorogha Godbless

Kaduna State Police and Military authorities have disclosed that the arrested persons in Kakura of Kaduna state were arrested in error as they were mistaken as bandits that went to jeopardize the security of the community.

The security men said the scenario that occured in Kakura community in Chikun local government area of the state, was flooded with a video that the number of persons arrested were bandits that came to cause chaos and instability in the community.

The police and military also revealed to the public that the leadership of Gbagyi and Fulani communities of Kakura found out that the persons been arrested of invading the community were members of the herder’s settlements who were mistaken as bandits and hoodlums that met with the vigilante.

The meeting had in attendance the State Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, Chikun Local Government Chairman, Engr Salasi Musa, member representing Chikun Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Ayuba Chawaza, District Head of Kujama, Stephen Ibrahim and the Commanding Officer 312 Artillery Regiment, Lt.Col. D.O Igwilo.

Speaking at the meeting held at the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State Police Commissioner, Yekini Ayoku said, both the Gbagyi and Fulani communities of Kakura were victims of the Saturday bandits’ attack.

They also emphasized that the Bandits who invaded the community had escaped before the vigilante group could reach out to them.

“When we saw the video, we swung into action and called for an emergency meeting between the Gbagyi and Fulani communities of Kakura.

“And from our investigation, we discovered what happened was that bandits attacked Kakura community and killed the younger brother of the village leader, Isiaku Karfe.

“The same bandits attacked a nearby Fulani settlement and within the same area, rustled their cattle. So, the vigilante of the Kakura community where the village head brother was killed, went in search of the bandits that attacked them, while the Fulani also went in search of their rustled cattle.

“While in the forest, the two sides clashed. In the process, three of the Fulani were killed and a number of others were injured. The information got the military detachment in the area and they went for rescue and they took the dead and the injured to the hospital. Presently, the injured are now being treated at 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital.

“So, these people taken to the hospital are not bandits, but rather, from the narrations of both sides, it was discovered that it was a case of mistaken identity.

“So, what we have done here is to bring the two communities together, then the local government chairman, house assembly member, the District Head and Head of the Fulani community have been asked to go back and ensure peace among the communities,” he said.