Police in Northwestern Nigerian State of Katsina; have said that more than 70 people have been killed in several attacks on villages in the state in deadly ethic violence.
The Police said the attack is not linked to the Islamist militant group Boko Haram but said the attackers are ethnic Fulani cattle herders who have a history of tension with local farmers in the area as a result of their cattle activities destroying the farmers’ crops.
The violence was also said to be a mix of land disputes coupled with tribal related issues. The Fulani are cattle rearing people and issues of grazing lands arise between them and the other ethnic groups who are mainly farmers. Those killed were buried in mass grave.
Katsina State police chief, Hurdi Mohammed told the Agence France Presse African Service that the situation has been brought under control.
“The victims include men, women and children. Rescue teams are still combing nearby bushes to search for more bodies, it is likely that the number of casualties will rise”, he said.
But local residents disputed what the police chief said that the situation has been brought under control. They told the BBC Hausa service that security personnel have still not been deployed to the area.
They accused the authorities of totally neglecting them. They say many of their relatives have deserted their homes and are seeking refuge in nearby bushes, fearing that the attackers might come back.
The residents concern was buttressed by Local Member of Parliament for the area, Abdullahi Abbas Machika.
Mr. Machika said the security personnel were busy protecting the president while his constituents were being killed. President Goodluck Jonathan was said to have been touring Katsina State when the incident happened. The President has not commented on the matter.
Political analysts have warned that Nigeria could slip into serious crisis if immediate steps are not taken to provide maximum security across the country. They say the country is battling with Boko Haram attacks which have left more than 5000 people dead since 2009 and if ethnic violence also adds up to the situation, it could lead to disaster.
President Goodluck Jonathan is battling with Nigeria’s economy as allegations of corruptions have been made by high ranking government officials amid some questioning is leadership style.
Several lawmakers and State Governors have defected from his ruling party, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) to join the opposition.
Issaka Adams / NationalTurk Africa News
Writer’s Email Address: Adamsisska@googlemail.com
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