On June 26, 2014, no fewer than 123 people who were killed during Fulani gunmen attacks in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, were buried.
Recall that the attacks, which began on June 23, have thrown the agrarian council into mourning and prompted a 24-hour curfew by council chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Adamu.
According to vigilante leader Christopher Chisom, gunmen first invaded Kabamu and Ankpong villages on Monday night, killing 38 residents.
Governor Ramalan Yero confirmed that 17 people died in Fadan Karshi around 10pm, while 21 were killed in Nandu at about 2am.
The violence escalated on Tuesday as attackers struck 7 more communities: Dogon-Daji, Gani, Hayin-Kwanta, Kabani, Kabamu, Kobin, and Naidu.
Chisom said the breakdown was 38 dead in Kobin, 30 in Kabamu, 21 in Dogon-Daji, 16 in Naidu, 9 in Gani, 5 in Hayin Kwanta, and 4 in Kabani.
Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Shehu Umar, confirmed 18 deaths and said 3 suspects were arrested with 3 AK-47 rifles and 158 rounds of ammunition.
A CAN spokesperson said those arrested were identified as Fulani men, but insisted “the Fulani that we live with cannot do this thing”.
The Christian Association of Nigeria condemned the killings and urged residents “to respect the sanctity of human lives. No religion preaches murder”.
June 26: Ritualists’ den uncovered in Ikorodu
On June 26, 2013, a ritualists’ den was uncovered at Ogolonto area of Ikorodu, Lagos, with at least eight victims allegedly kidnapped from different parts of the country rescued from the enclave.
The den, located at 7, Oshodi Street behind Holy Family Ministry a.k.a House of Mercy, is said to be owned by the church’s General Overseer, Pastor Ernest Nwankwo.
The discovery followed a foiled attempt by a mother of four, Mrs. Rosemary Chukwu, 33, Omologede Street, to take one of her victims, 7-year-old primary school pupil Emmanuel Emeka, to the den.
Chukwu allegedly abducted Emeka on his way to fetch water from a public well at about 6:30 a.m and hid him inside her toilet, engaging her four children in a prayer session to drown the boy’s cries.
When Emeka’s mother raised the alarm after he failed to return, residents searched the area. Chukwu was sighted with a suitcase on her head, claiming she was traveling to the village. On searching the box, the boy was found inside “half dead”.
Under interrogation by an angry mob, Chukwu reportedly confessed that Pastor Nwankwo instructed her to kidnap the boy for ritual purposes.
Based on her confession, residents stormed the building at Ogolonto and found an undisclosed number of people bound in chains.
The victims recounted being kidnapped from Anambra, Bayelsa, Ogun and Oyo states at different times.
Police sources confirmed Pastor Nwankwo was later arrested around Ebute Metta following a tip-off by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba. He is being held at SCID, Yaba.
