Bloodbath: 20 killed in fresh Godogodo alleged herdsmen invasion – Gobroadsheet
//Crime: Godwin Ekosin, Kaduna//
Following the renewed killings of about 20 persons at Godogodo chiefdom, Jema’a local government area of Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria between Saturday and Sunday, the Interim Council Chairman, Dr Bege Katuka has imposed a 24-hour curfew with immediate effect to put the situation under control.
It can be recalled that Godogodo chiefdom which is 250 kilometers from Kaduna, the state capital, had in the last two months suffered continuous bloody invasion by herdsmen who have claimed scores of live and destroyed property and farm produce worth millions.
Police spokesman in the State, ASP Aliyu Usman who confirmed the development to this Correspondent through a telephone call said, the command has deployed more security personnel to the affected area.
ASP Aliyu said though he could not ascertained the number of casualties as at press time expressed worry, saying the police have been working tirelessly to unravel the possible remote cause of the frequent attacks on the community despite presence of security personnel, pleading with locals to cooperate with the police to put a stop to the killings.
Speaking to newsmen on the curfew, the sole administrator said the measure was to further check breach of law and order by suspecting youths who have already mounted illegal road blocks.
According to him, “we have received reports that youths had barricaded Kafanchan/Kagoro road along Garaje area and have burnt car belonging to innocent persons who was passing by.
Dr. Bege confirmed that the tention was being fueled by the attack on Saturday at Godogodo when suspected herdsmen attempted to lay siege on the village, adding that gunmen stormed the village and shot at innocent persons, “they were immediately engaged by the Joint Task Force”.
“What is most paramount now is the security of the lives and property of the people while the security would not relent in its effort to repel the attackers”, he stressed.
He then urged the residents to remain calm and not to take the law into their own hands, urging them to remain indoors as the curfew was to allow the security apparatus carry out its operations without hindrance.