A wave of deadly violence has engulfed parts of Kaduna State following a brazen cattle rustling incident that has left at least three people feared dead and several others injured. The chaos reportedly erupted in Kajuru Local Government Area, plunging local communities into a state of fear and uncertainty.
Renowned security analyst and counterinsurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the development via his official X handle, revealing the extent of the carnage triggered by the high-stakes livestock theft.
According to Zagazola’s findings, the chain of events began in the early hours of Saturday, June 21, when heavily armed cattle rustlers stormed Gwaraje village in Igabi Local Government Area, making away with approximately 200 cows in a well-coordinated raid. Eyewitnesses reported that the rustlers tactically moved the stolen livestock through the bordering villages of Kadanya and Anguwan Mairijya, evading initial detection.
Tragedy struck during their escape as the assailants opened fire, fatally wounding a 35-year-old woman, Rahila Danzaria, a resident of Kadanya. Her senseless killing has since sent shockwaves through the region.
Tensions flared further when youths in Anguwan Mairijya, possibly acting on retaliation or mistaken identity, intercepted Musa Husaini and Muntari Tajo, both from Gwaraje, who were reportedly tracking the rustlers’ path. The pair were savagely beaten and left unconscious, escalating the already volatile situation.
Community leaders and residents have remained tight-lipped, with many refusing to offer information amid rising tensions and fears of reprisal attacks. The palpable silence has complicated investigative efforts.
In response, security operatives have swung into action. Police authorities have summoned and detained two key traditional leaders—Sarkin Anguwan Samaila Gado of Anguwan Mairijya and Sarkin Kadanya Obi Mairuwa—for questioning as part of the ongoing probe into the escalating violence.
Preliminary investigations have led to the identification of a suspected mastermind, Samaila Danzaria of Anguwan Mairijya, who is currently on the run. Security forces have launched a manhunt to track him down, recover the stolen cattle, and locate any other possible victims of the violent episode.
Authorities are urging calm and have assured the public that swift justice will be served. Meanwhile, the affected communities remain tense as the fallout from the incident continues to unfold.
PIONEER NEWS 