It was a moment of grief, tears and sorrow in Southern Kaduna as the 38 victims of last Sunday’s terrorist herdsmen attack in Madamai and Abun communities in Mallagum district were laid to rest.
The occasion which was held at the the Government secondary school Mallagum was graced by sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna from all walks of life. Dignitaries such as the Senator Representing Southern Kaduna Senatorial zone, Danjuma La’ah, Member Representing Jama’a/Sanga Federal constituency, Nicholas Sarkin-noma, the Bishop of Kafanchan Diocese, Bishop Julius Yakubu Kundi, The General Overseer, Good News Power Base Church Kafanchan, Apostle Emmanuel Bako Ego, The Kaduna state CAN Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, the President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, Hon. Jonathan Asake, his Executives and many others.
The Catholic Bishop of Kafanchan Diocese, Bishop Julius Yakubu Kundi in his homily admonished the Southern Kaduna people to defend themselves against those he called aggressors, likening their aggression to the persecution that befell the Christians in Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero.
“Here before us are victims of terrorism. This service was organised to strengthen us to stand firm and defend our land against the killers.” Bishop Kundi said
The Bishop who gave a clear illustration of the Sunday 26th September attack, described how 38 innocent villagers were massacred unprovoked and 20 houses burnt by attackers identified as Fulanis. Bishop Kundi further called on the government to live up to it’s expectations.
“Our government needs to be be put on the red alert, that with what is happening, this country is raising a traumatized and a militant generation who may be devoid of human tolerance and interethnic friendship.” He said
In his message, the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria, Kaduna state chapter, Rev Joseph Hayab said that the senatorial district was tired of writing press statements and organising press conferences.
The Senator representing Southern Kaduna Senatorial District, Senator Danjuma La’ah, advised Southern Kaduna people to defend themselves against those he called terrorist herdsmen.
The President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, Hon Asake called on the federal government to declare bandits as terrorists. Asake noted that the so-called bandits had in the past brought down a fighter jet.
“What else does the government
want?.
“While they are using terrorists to supplant people of our community, we have always known their agenda. It is to weaken us and take over our ancestral lands and bring in foreign people. He said.
Asake further said that the herdsmen were attacking the people of Southern Kaduna because of the protection they were enjoying from the present government of the day.
“The present leadership of Southern Kaduna and their elites will write and keep all the atrocities meted out to them for their children to know the kind of injustices perpetrated against their parents.’ Asake said.
The victims were eventually laid to rest after the ceremony amidst tears and anguish from their loved ones and the entire communities affected.