Sixteen Die in Weekend Attacks on Mourners in Nigeria's Plateau and Kaduna States

By Jeremy Reynalds
Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service

Photo Courtesy: The Nigerian Oracle

SURREY, ENGLAND (ANS) -- Six people died and many others were injured when unknown gunmen attacked Aduwan Gida Village in the Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Southern Kaduna during the evening of Feb. 23.

According to a news release from human rights organization Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), the attack occurred at around 10pm, as villagers gathered to mourn the death of an elderly member of the community.

Armed assailants are reported to have fired indiscriminately for around ten minutes, and fatalities are said to include a nursing mother and her six-month-old baby. The injured are being treated in hospitals in Kaduna and Plateau States.

Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, CEO of Christian Solidarity Worldwide-Nigeria (CSW-N), said in the news release, "It is unfortunate that after the announcement of a ceasefire by elements of Boko Haram, we are still experiencing attacks resembling their style of operations. We ask for continuing prayers for Nigeria, and urge churches to be vigilant with regard to security, particularly as the Easter period approaches."

The attack on Aduwan Gida constitutes the second night attack on predominantly Christian villages in as many days, and follows a period of relative calm.

CSW said in neighboring Plateau State, ten members of the same family were hacked to death and two sustained gunshot wounds when unknown assailants stormed Kogwom Village in Vom district in Jos South LGA during the early hours of Feb. 22.

According to local reports, the family had lost a grandmother a few days earlier and family members were gathered at the family compound for her for her funeral. The injured are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed location.

In both cases, CSW said, locals expressed anger at what they perceive as ineffectiveness on the part of security forces stationed in their respective areas.

CSW's Advocacy Director Andrew Johnston said in the news release, "We are saddened by these attacks on communities that were already in mourning, and send our heartfelt condolences to the relations and friends of those who died over the weekend in Plateau and Kaduna States. Given the long-standing nature of the threats against both areas, the security services should by now have formulated an effective means of defending villages and apprehending assailants."

He added, "We urge those responsible for security in these areas to formulate effective arrangements to secure the lives and properties of innocent citizens and to forestall the very real possibility of people taking the law into their own hands."

Christian Solidarity Worldwide works for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.

For further information visit www.csw.org.uk.