‘We Are,’ Say Army Brass; ‘The Bad Guys,’ Say Displaced Farmers
By Luka Binniyat
(Kaduna) – Scores of Christians farming communities in Kajuru county, Southern Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria, have deserted their homes as Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM) intensified attacks and kidnappings-for-ransom over the areas, TruthNigeria has learned.
Kajuru County Called Home by Christian-Majority Adara Tribe
But the Nigeria military Thursday (December 19, 2024) insists that it was defeating the FEM, locally called “bandits,” reeling out casualties inflicted on the terrorists, contrary to claims by locals.
32 Communities Deserted
“I managed to escape with only what I have on me,” said Madugu Samson, 42, a farmer and father of five children from Libere town, Libere ward, Kajuru County [Local Governance Area].
“I was among the last people who fled after ensuring that our children and wives have escaped to either Kajuru, Kaduna or Kachia towns, because it was clear that the Fulani gunmen are coming to take over our town,” said Samson to TruthNigeria at Maraban Rido suburb about 4 miles from Kaduna city centre.
According to Samson, the combined military-led task force suddenly Wednesday pulled out its troops stationed at certain strategic posts. Allegedly, the troops left in anger because of what Samson said was a connivance between some rogue locals and bandits.
“I know of about 32 villages that had to abandon everything and run away, leaving their food crops and domestic animals, because the bandits were just entering village after village, since the soldiers left,” Samson said.
“It is not possible for the youths to withstand them with their numbers and big guns. And we have no soldiers to help. So, though it’s painful, we have to leave,” he said.
Bandits Ambushed Soldiers
Mr Ishaya Onnusim, Adara Youth Leader, also a resident of Maro town, in Maro ward, Kajuru County in an exclusive chat with TruthNigeria in Kaduna, Thursday affirmed the narration of Samson.
“The situation in Adara land is only getting worse,” he said.
“Libere and many communities have left. I can’t tell you exactly how many people have been kidnapped by bandits in the past one week in Kajuru county, but they can’t be less than 100,” he said.
According to him, troops were called to respond to a distressed call by a community near Maro town on the previous Tuesday when they fell into an ambush laid by the bandits.
“They attacked the gun-mounted truck carrying the soldiers and killed five soldiers, while five escaped,” he said.
“The bandits then took the mounted gun and burned the truck,” he added.
“The military believes that it was some informants among our people that leaked the coming of the troops to the bandits. So, the soldiers are now saying that we should [face] our treachery. They have pulled out from the most vulnerable areas of Kajuru County. That’s why the bandits are having it so easy everywhere now,” he said.
We Are Winning: Soldiers
Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Military Information Officer for Operation Safe Haven, Division 3 of the Nigeria army, denied the claim, messaging to TruthNigeria that the military was giving the bandits a bad time.
Zhakom who responded to TruthNigeria inquiries in a statement he signed on Thursday said: “As part of the ongoing ‘Operation Golden Peace’ conducted by 3 Division/Operation ‘Safe Haven’ to ensure a secure harvest and harmonious yuletide in the Joint Operations Area, troops conducted offensive operations into identified criminal hideouts in Southern Kaduna leading to the neutralization of notorious bandits and rescue of kidnapped victims.”
“On 4 December 2024, security agencies conducted intelligence-based offensive operations at Ruwan Sanye, Randa, Rafin Gora, Libere Gari and Libere Makaranta in Kajuru Local Government Area (county) of Kaduna State, “Zhakom went on to write.
“Security forces made contact with bandits who were holding some abducted victims in their hideout at Randa. The superior firepower from security agencies forced the criminals to abandon the victims and flee after 3 of the criminals were neutralized during the exchange of fire,” Zhakom added.
“In the process, 25 kidnapped victims were rescued from the criminal hideout. Security agencies exploited the general area and recovered several hard drugs, including Tramadol, energy drinks and clothing materials.
“Additionally, troops discovered an illegal clinic where the criminals treated their injured cohorts in line with operational mandates,” Zhakom wrote.
“Well-meaning members of the public are pleased to continue to support security agencies with timely intelligence to aid in ridding the Joint Operations Area of criminal elements,” he wrote.
On the claims of soldiers being ambushed and killed, he declined to comment.
Luka Binniyat is an award-winning reporter and writes on conflicts, politics and religion for TruthNigeria from Kaduna.
