A herder has been found dead at a forest in Rafindadi in a reprisal attack following the killing of four farmers by gunmen in Goska two days ago, Kaduna state government has said.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said the herder came to the area to graze cattle and did not return home.
“The Defence headquarters outfit operating in Southern Kaduna general area, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) has reported to the Kaduna state government killing of a herder in a reprisal attack in Jema’a local government area.
“According to the military, the corpse of Hamisu Bello, a young herder, was recovered in a forest at Rafin Dadi, Kaninkon Chiefdom of the LGA, bearing deep machete cuts.
“Preliminary investigations by the military revealed that Bello came to the area to graze cattle, and did not return home, prompting a search which led to the discovery of his corpse.
Further checks by the military indicated that he was killed by aggrieved locals following the killing of four farmers in Goska, same LGA.
“Governor Nasir el-Rufai received the report with sadness, and condoled the family of the herder, while praying for the repose of his soul.
“The governor reiterated appeals for all residents to maintain recourse to law, and not engage in reprisal actions. He also tasked security agencies to conduct diligent investigations into the incident,” he said.