Residents accuse soldiers of killing three traders, cows in Kaduna

Residents of Sabon Birnin in Igabi LGA of Kaduna have reportedly accused personnel of the Nigerian Army of killing three traders and over 100 cows at a market.

The incident was said to have happened at a local cattle market on August 18 after some soldiers allegedly opened fire on the animals.

A video posted on Facebook showed dead animals littered across the market along with the three bodies.

However, in reaction, the Nigerian Army said it would probe the allegation thoroughly, noting that any personnel found culpable would be sanctioned.

In a statement on Thursday, Onyema Nwachukwu, the army spokesperson, commiserated with the community and the families of the deceased.

“The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a disturbing news report with gory pictures/video footages published in some mainstream and social media platforms alleging that troops of 1 division annihilated 3 persons and some cattle during a recent operation at Sabon Birni in Igabi local government area of Kaduna state,” the statement reads.

“While the Nigerian Army wishes to sympathize with the Sabon Birni community and families of the affected persons, we also wish to state that the allegation will be thoroughly investigated, and any personnel found culpable will be appropriately sanctioned.

“It is also necessary to add that the NA, which is constitutionally mandated to protect the lives and property of the citizenry, cannot tolerate doing otherwise.

“Accordingly, the chief of army staff Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja has directed a thorough investigation into the incident to establish the immediate and remote causes of the incident and unravel those behind it.

“We therefore appeal for calm and assure the general public that the outcome of the investigation will also be made public.”