Residents of Sabon Birnin in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State have accused soldiers of killing three people and over 100 cows during an incident at a local cattle market on Sunday afternoon,Daily Trust reports.
The incident reportedly occurred while villagers were engaged in trading at the weekly market. Eyewitnesses claim that soldiers opened fire on the cattle, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals as traders scrambled for safety.
A video circulating on social media shows the market littered with the bodies of the animals and the three victims, while villagers watch in shock.
Shehu Sabon Birnin, a local resident, alleged that some of the soldiers involved arrived on motorcycles. He voiced concern that the dead animals were left at the scene, causing a foul odor in the community.
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“It was terrifying when the soldiers entered the market, some on motorcycles, and began shooting at the animals. Two people lost their lives in the ensuing chaos,” said Sabon Birnin. “Now, over 100 dead cows are scattered across the market, and the nearby homes are overwhelmed by the stench. We still don’t understand why the soldiers took such extreme action.”
Dr. Ahmad Gumi shared the video on his verified Facebook page, commenting, “Banditry has a cause, and this is part of it. Two wrongs don’t make a right, especially when committed by those who are supposed to protect us.”
There has been no official statement from the state government or the 1 Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army. Attempts to reach Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Deputy Director of Public Relations, were unsuccessful. The State Police Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, was also unreachable as his phone remained off.
