By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
Four youths have been reported dead while over 25 others sustained various degrees of injuries from gunshot of security personnel drafted to Gbagyi Valla by Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai to demolish structures in the area.
Several structures including a church were demolished by the el-Rufai’s administration, an issue that spanned for more than six years.
Gbagyi Villa is a suburb of Kaduna town in Chikun Local government.
The demolition was carry out by the Kaduna State Urban Planning Development Agency (KASUPDA) under the instruction of el-Rufai.
The Youth leader of Chikun Local Government Area, in Gbagyi Chiefdom Comrade Akila Luka Barde who confirmed the incident to our Correspondent said four youths have been confirmed dead while over 25 sustained various degrees of gunshot.
He explained that he was at the mechanic workshop in Kurmin Mashi when he received a distress called that KASUPDA officials were in his community with over 200 security personnel to carry out a demolition exercise.
“I rushed down home immediately to see what was happening. I then confronted them and the officials of the KASUPDA said they’re here to demolish houses that are on the fence of the Kaduna Polytechnic.
“We stood there while they carried out the demolition exercise, but later they started demolishing houses that are not close to the fence, which caused serious pandemonium between some youths and the security personnels.
“The disturbing thing was that even some of the Houses that paid the N20,000 regularization fees were also demolished which further worsen the situation.
“You could see that the Security personnels of the Kaduna State Vigilante Service (KADVIS) broke my left leg and one of my arms,” he lamented.
Akila said they accused him of inciting the youths against them.
“And that’s not true because I did not invite anyone. The information I received is that KADVIS have killed 4 persons while over 25 sustained injuries from gunshots.
Akila said KADVIS are more wicked than even the soldiers that are part of the demolition exercise.
He called on the youths to calmdown as necessary steps will be taken to address the issue.
Our Correspondent who was at the demolition site observed that some families with their Children who are affected by the demolition exercise were seen crying while their properties were seen stranded.
The Kaduna state Police Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Jalige, when contacted, said he was not aware of the incident but he would get back with details.
As at the time of filing this report, Jalige was yet to get back.
