‘Bandits’ kill community leader in Kaduna

Lawal Musa, a leader of the Fulani community in Kajuru LGA in Kaduna, has been killed following an attack by unknown gunmen.

Samuel Aruwan, commissioner for internal security and home affairs, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Monday.

Musa, said to be popularly referred to as “alhaji Maijama’a”, was reportedly killed on Sunday night.

The commissioner explained that Musa was on a motorcycle with his brother, when gunmen opened fire on them.

“A Fulani community leader in Doka general area of Kajuru local government, Alhaji Lawal Musa, popularly known as Alhaji Maijama’a, was assassinated by armed bandits on Sunday night,” the statement reads.

“This was reported to the Kaduna State Government by security agencies on Sunday. Alhaji Lawal Musa was a Fulani community leader in the Doka general area of Kajuru LGA who worked closely with with other community leaders towards the success of peace building efforts in the area.

“Alhaji Lawal Musa was brutally killed by armed bandits in his settlement, right before his family. He was on a motorcycle with his elder brother, Alhaji Gide Musa, when some assailants opened fire on them. Alhaji Gide Musa escaped with gunshot injuries, while the gunmen got hold of Alhaji Maijama’a and hacked him to death.

“He has since been buried according to Islamic rites. His brother is recuperating in an undisclosed hospital.”

Aruwan described Musa’s contributions as “instrumental towards the re-opening of the Doka weekly market, peaceful resumption of activities at abandoned places of worship and resumption of grazing and farming in the Doka general area”.

The commissioner added that Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, condemned the incident and sent his condolences to the family of the deceased.

El-Rufai is also said to have described the late Fulani leader as an “exemplary leader and a champion of peaceful coexistence”.