Army probes killing of civilians, 100 cattle in Kaduna

The Nigerian Army has launched an investigation into the alleged killing of three persons and 100 cattle by troops during a recent operation in Sabon Birnin village, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State

The PUNCH Online reports that men in army uniform, suspected to be soldiers, allegedly killed three locals and over 100 cows on Sunday afternoon in Sabon Birnin Daji cattle market, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna.

Eyewitnesses had claimed the soldiers stormed the market, opening fire on the cattle, resulting in the deaths of at least three people as traders scrambled for safety.

A local, Shehu Sabon Birni, said, “The dead animals are scattered in the market, causing an offensive odour, making life unpleasant.

“It was a horrific scene when the soldiers arrived at the market, some of them on motorcycles, and started shooting the animals. Two people were killed in the chaos.

“Now, over 100 dead cows are scattered throughout the market, and the nearby houses are overwhelmed by the stench. We are still unsure why the soldiers took such drastic action,” he said.

Also, an Islamic scholar, Dr. Ahmad Gumi, while commenting in a video on his Facebook handle, said, “Banditry has a cause. And this is part of it. Two wrongs don’t make a right, especially when committed by those entrusted with our protection.”

However, reacting in a statement issued and obtained by one of our correspondents in Kaduna on Thursday, the Army’s Director of Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, sympathized with the families of the affected persons and the Sabon Birni community.

Nwachukwu assured that the allegation would be thoroughly investigated and any personnel found culpable would be appropriately sanctioned.

According to him, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, has directed a thorough investigation into the incident to establish the immediate and remote causes and uncover those responsible.

“The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a disturbing news report with gory pictures/video footages published in some mainstream and social media platforms alleging that troops of 1 Division annihilated 3 persons and some cattle during a recent operation at Sabon Birni in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna state.

“While the Nigerian Army wishes to sympathize with the Sabon Birni community and families of the affected persons, we also wish to state that the allegation will be thoroughly investigated and any personnel found culpable will be appropriately sanctioned. It is also necessary to add that the NA, which is constitutionally mandated to protect the lives and property of the citizenry, can not tolerate doing otherwise.

“Accordingly, the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja has directed a thorough investigation into the incident to establish the immediate and remote causes of the incident and unravel those behind it.

“We therefore appeal for calm and assure the general public that the outcome of the investigation will also be made public.”