The national president of Atakad Community Development Association (ACDA), Mr. Ishaya Kunden, had on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 disclosed that 16 Atakad villages of Kaura local government in Kaduna State had been overtaken by terrorists under the umbrella of Fulani militia.
He also revealed to journalists that the terrorists had murdered 180 natives and forced 10,000 to become refugees within the space of two years.
The community raised the alarm during the burial ceremony of the assassinated district head of Zangang in Atakad Chiefdom, Mr Yohanna Daniel Shinkut, who was shot dead in his car near his home around 8PM on Saturday, January 3, 2015 by suspected Fulani gunmen, Leadership reports.
Speaking to journalists at the Baptist Church Manchok, after the burial ceremony, Kunden said, “Since these invasions and killings of our people started on the 24th March, 2013, we have lost 16 villages to Fulani invaders.
“At the last count, 180 people have been killed. Right now, Fulani men are fully settled with their cattle and families in Mayit, Agwom, Zakai Gira, Tunga Magwot, Telak, Zakum and Kirim. Go there and see them. Their cattle are grazing on everything we left behind.
“The world has forgotten about us, as if we are not human beings. As if we not part of the most injured in human society. 10,000 Atakad are now homeless and are wandering from relations to churches and anywhere they can get assistance.
He added, “The state government has done very little to help. Only the Churches and some non governmental organisations are coming in with relieve materials to victims still hanging around. All our children are out of schools. Men cannot go back to their farms. It is horrible. All we are asking for is more soldiers and a few things to defend ourselves. We can return if we get that assistance.”
Also speaking after the ceremony was the overall chief of Atakad Chiefdom, Chief Tobias Nkom Wada.
He said, “The people of Southern Kaduna must be united to fight this dangerous trend.
A source resident at the area under the attack of the militants narrated the awful experience of the community in the hands of the Fulani militants.
The unidentified source said, “There was exchange of gunfire between our men and some marauders from Ganawuri, Plateau State’s border with us that lasted till this morning. We repelled them, and there was no casualty from any side. Had they succeeded, this burial ceremony may not have been possible.”
