There is apprehension in parts of Southern Kaduna that share boundaries with Plateau and Nasarawa States, particularly in Fadan Kagoma, that unknown gunmen may be preparing to attack the community.
Fadan Kagoma is the birth place of Mr. Patrick Yakowa, the Kaduna State Governor.
A young man in the community called SaharaReporters today and left the following message. “There is fear in Southern Kaduna and notably Fadan Kagoma. We have been hearing rumours few weeks back but this week attacks in the Plateau villages has heightened tension.”
The voice said there has been recent reinforcement of security in the area, but that the residents, while being vigilant, are fearful.
A security source in Abuja, who is among those supervising security situations in the troubled Southern Kaduna, confirmed that there is indeed apprehension, but claimed that security operatives are on standby throughout the area.
A Nigerian newspaper reported this morning said that over 3000 persons have fled Plateau State for Southern Kaduna, a situation that has raised further security concerns.
SaharaReporters also received an SMS which is being sent around in the area of the feared attack.
The message says: “Good afternoon. INTREP revealed Fulani militants are presently reorganising and are said to be expecting ammunition from their sponsors to move on with their campaign to the southern part of Kaduna state. The bridge linking Host and Rim communities in Riyom LGA of Plateau state will be destroyed before attacking that area to deny security operatives access to them. Arms/Ammo to reach their camps on the B/Ladi hills today 10 Jul 2012. They are planning to enter southern Kaduna through Fadan Karshe in Sanga LGA Kaduna State. Very reliable, the INTREP has been passed to STF and Comd 1DIG.”
There was no any reaction from the Kaduna government to these developments today, as the governor was reported to be in Jigawa State but in a press statement today, his media aide commiserated with the Plateau State government, without mentioning the security challenges in Kaduna.
In the statement, Governor Yakowa reiterated that the shedding of innocent blood has never been the solution to any differences. “It only compounds to the issues,” said the statement. “The Governor calls on the people of the north to embrace peace, to fast- track the economic transformation of the region.”
Below is the full text of the statement:
“His Excellency, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa wishes to convey his deepest condolence and sympathy and that of the entire people and Government of Kaduna State over the unfortunate recurrent crises in Plateau State.More worrisome is the unfortunate and unnecessary death of Senator Gyang Daylop Dantong, representing Plateau North and Hon. Gyang Fulani, majority leader of the Plateau State House of Assembly, and several others.His Excellency expresses his deepest sympathy to His Excellency, Governor Jonah Jang, the Leadership of the National Assembly, the Families of the bereaved and the entire good people of Plateau State.
“His Excellency further reiterates his belief in the fact that the shedding of innocent blood has never been the only solution to solving any differences. It only compounds to the issues. The Governor calls on the people of the north to embrace peace, to fast- track the economic transformation of the region. The Governor wishes to condole and commiserate with His Excellency, Governor David Jonah Jang, the Government, family and people of Plateau State over the unfortunate crisis that again erupted in some parts of the state that led to the death of many people. He urges the Government and people of Plateau to be strong take heart, remain focused and pray that such disaster becomes a thing of the past.”
Courtesy SaharaReporters