The traditional ruler of Zangang in Attakad chiefdom in Kaura Local Government of Kaduna State, Mr Yohanna Shinkut, has been killed by unknown gunmen.

An indigene of the community told our correspondent that the gunmen attacked the traditional ruler around 8pm on Friday night while he was on his way back from a neighbouring village, Manchock, to his palace.

He said the attackers ambushed the royal father, shot his car tyre, and when the vehicle stopped moving, they then moved closer to him and shot him on the chest at close range. The gunmen were also said to have exchanged fire with the policemen who had gone to convey the remains of the late district head.

Residents of the village who were thrown into mourning following the news of their chief, said the continual and systematic killing of Southern Kaduna people through attacks without government intervention is condemnable and unacceptable.

An indigene of the community, Emmanuel Samuel, who linked the killing of the traditional ruler to Fulani herdsmen, also confirmed that the late Shinkut was ambushed and killed on his way back home from Manchock.

The State Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Yero, today condemned the attack on the community and the murder of the District Head, describing the acts as “devilish and unwarranted’’.

Yero, in a statement by his Spokesman, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, said the recent wave of attacks in Southern Kaduna was instigated by some desperate people for their selfish gains.

He urged people in the affected communities to remain calm as government had taken measures to restore law and order.

“Security surveillance has been intensified in the affected communities to ensure adequate security for the people,” he said.

The governor assured that government would be responsible for the payment of medical bills of all injured victims while the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency had also been directed to provide relief materials to those affected.

According to him, “Though we have recorded tremendous progress in ensuring unity and peaceful co-existence in the entire state, it is obvious that some enemies of our dear state are bent on sowing seeds of discord in order to score cheap political points.

“The entire people of Kaduna State should remain united in the face of this calculated attempt at dividing us, we must work together to put our common enemies to shame.

“Enough is enough, government is ready to take decisive measures to protect the lives and properties of its citizens.”

Yero said that the government will collaborate with security agencies to re-strategise in its quest to proactively guard rural communities in the state.

He paid tribute to the late Shinkut, describing him as a symbol of peace, who would forever be remembered for his selfless service to his people and the state at large.

He also commiserated with families of those killed in the attacks and assured people in the state that security personnel had been deployed to bring those behind the crime to book.

•Pieced together from stories by NAN and Cannels TV. Photo shows Governor Yero of Kaduna State.

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