The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Abdurrahman, said the command is still investigating the killings in Gidan Maro of Kajuru Local Government Area of the state and as such would not confirm any figure until the investigation is completed.
By this development the state command of the Nigeria Police in the state has disowned the figure announced by Governor Nasir El-Rufai as casualties.
At first announcement on February 15, El-Rufai said 66 persons were killed in various dispersed hamlets in Kajuru Local Government. The army also confirmed the figure.
In another announcement after an extensive meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari and Service Chiefs on February 19, the governor said the death toll had risen to 130.
El-Rufai’s first and second claims were followed by criticisms by some people who raised doubts about the figures.
One of such criticisms came from the senator representing the district, Sheu Sani. “What I found out about the killing is that it happened between Sunday and Monday. The figures for the death are within the range of 10 to 15.
“The state government exaggerated the figures and also timed the announcement of it in view of the fact that that place is remote and beyond the reach of many journalists,” Shehu Sani said.
“Right now, if the governor tells you even 200, he is just quoting figures. It may be more than that or less than that. For example, the areas you have visited where we were told that 36 bodies were buried. It was not under the purview of the security at the beginning of the investigation until when the Fulani victims themselves came out crying after we have secured all the places with our military counterpart. They now approach the military that come and escort us to come and bury our relations. That was when it was uncovered.”
Mr Abdurrahman said the troubled communities are now in a post-crisis period warning that ‘nobody should stampede investigation.’
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