In a fresh development, the Nigerian Army has said troops killed two people in Southern Kaduna but did not state if they were herdsmen.
The Cable reports that Kingsley Umoh, deputy director, army public relations of 1 division, made the admission.
Umoh again dismissed the report that 17 herdsmen were killed by soldiers, saying it was unfounded and irresponsible and people should stay away from fabricated reports.
“We appeal to citizens, community leaders and other stakeholders to always speak and act in the interest of peace,” he said.
“It serves no useful purposes to continue to fabricate stories about the already delicate security situation in southern Kaduna.”
He added: “In total, two miscreants were killed and two are in custody in Southern Kaduna within the period of March 19 to March 22 , 2017.”
The Nigerian Army had earlier denied reports that soldiers reportedly killed about 17 Fulani herdsmen in Southern Kaduna on Monday, March 20.
The Army issued the denial on Tuesday, March 21 through Army spokesman Brigadier-General Sani Usman Kukasheka and vowed to investigate the incident.
Army spokesman Brigadier-General Sani Usman said the reports of soldiers killing herdsmen were totally untrue
“The allegation is most unfortunate and it is not true. It is most uncharitable and irresponsible of anyone to say so.
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“Our soldiers have been selfless, professional and impartial in the discharge of their duties. The extent of our sacrifice and determination to bring peace and security is unquestionable.
“They should not in any way drag us into their propaganda. The unfortunate incident would be investigated and the whole world will know the truth,” he said.
The denial followed claims by Alhaji Haruna Usman, the chairman of the Kaduna state chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, on Tuesday, March 21 that soldiers killed herdsmen in Daile Alkariyo village, Jama’a local government area in the southern part of Kaduna state.
Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria are gunslinging cattle breeders that are said to kill at the slightest sign of provocation
Leadership reported that, according to Usman, the incident occurred on Monday, March 20, revealing that over 40 houses were burnt down by the soldiers during the incident.
Usman said: “They invited the security personnel to come and intervene in the issue, but when they came, they started killing Fulani. They killed about 17 and burnt about 47 houses.
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“It is not the indigenes of the area that killed the Fulanis, the military men killed them. So it is the government that kill them and I don’t know the reason.”
Earlier, Umoh had told The Cable that he was not aware of the incident when contacted.
“I can’t confirm that incident, but I will soon give an update on happenings in southern Kaduna,” he said.
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