22 Fulani Herdsmen Arrested With Truckloads Of Arms, Ammunition In Kafanchan… 24Hrs Curfew Imposed

The Southern Kaduna town of Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State is presently under lockdown following the arrest of 22 Fulani herdsmen allegedly in possession of a huge cache of arms and ammunition. The discovery led angry youths in the area to demand the immediate release of the suspects as the news filtered into town so as to lynch them.

Information Nigeria reports that an atmosphere of uncertainty has pervaded Kafanchan in recent times as a result of the invasion of Southern Kaduna communities by suspected Fulani herdsmen. Penultimate Friday, the alleged killing of a youth in the area almost resulted in violence but for the prompt intervention of soldiers, who soon intensified patrols on the streets.

The latest arrest reportedly occurred at a checkpoint mounted by soldiers near the offices of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and the zonal office of the Ministry of Works and Transport in Kafanchan.

As is the practice whenever there are signs of an impending breakdown of law and order, the authorities have slammed a 24-hour curfew on Kafanchan with businesses, including banks hurriedly closing shop.

A source, who confirmed the imposition of the 24 hour curfew, said, “The indigenous youths blocked all routes leading into Kafanchan, aside the ones that besieged the military checkpoint [where] the suspects arrested with weapons were being held.

“The soldiers have to fire several shots to scare them but they resisted, immediately 24 hour curfew was imposed and the military whisked them away to Kaduna for continued investigation”.

Another source said at least two of the youths sustained injuries following the shots by the military.

As of the time of this report, the military had yet to yet to confirm the developments.

Additional reports by Sahara Reporters