Thread by @thecableng

Conflict in a Pandemic (II): The deserted villages of Southern Kaduna where only the brave dare reside | TheCable bit.ly/2GHHJXa

@elrufai @GovKaduna

#ConflictInPandemic #SouthKadunaChildren

Abandoned homes, deserted compounds and desolate communities are, nowadays, common scenes in parts of southern Kaduna. Insecurity-fuelled fear has forced many residents — mostly women and children — to find abodes in saner climes.
bit.ly/2GHHJXa

#ConflictInPandemic

In many of the attacked communities, only courageous men dare stay back and spend the night. Every man has now become a vigilante while their wives and children are scattered across the safe(r) parts of Kaduna.
bit.ly/2GHHJXa

#ConflictInPandemic #SouthKadunaChildren

Owing to past attacks and threats of future return, several villages are now bereft of their people. In Gonan Rogo, many houses are desolate and abandoned. The area paints the picture of a once-lived village.
bit.ly/2GHHJXa

#ConflictInPandemic #SouthKadunaChildren

The attack there was so deadly that a nursing mother and her newborn were said to have been killed in their home. Their compound is slowly being overtaken by weeds while clothes of mother and child are stacked in sacks in a room that appears to be the sleeping quarter.

Originally from Kwaku in Zangon-Kataf, Husseina now resides in a single room in Danpami, Marere, Lere LGA, alongside her husband and nine children.
“We were in our house preparing breakfast when we saw them coming,” she said of her attackers.

#ConflictInPandemic

“We were unable to take anything from the house. We trekked in the bush for three days.”
During those three days, Husseina’s husband was frantically scouring the bush in search of his family. When they reunited, the family made its way to Danpami.

#ConflictInPandemic

With the level of violence she witnessed, Husseina says she has no intention of returning home. The only thing paramount on her mind is how to feed, clothe her children and to secure better living conditions.
bit.ly/2GHHJXa

#ConflictInPandemic #SouthKadunaChildren

The Jafaru family which has Zainab Yusuf, 55, as its matriarch also grapples with the same challenges after losing everything when Kurmin Gandu was hit.

bit.ly/2GHHJXa

#ConflictInPandemic #SouthKadunaChildren

Following the attack, they travelled for two days in the bush without food or water until they arrived at a settlement in Laduga, where they now live on handouts.

bit.ly/2GHHJXa

#ConflictInPandemic #SouthKadunaChildren

Three square meals are no more a reality while basic amenities are a pipe dream. Not less than 53 people reside in the settlement which houses 6 thatched huts.

Read more 👉 bit.ly/2GHHJXa

#ConflictInPandemic #SouthKadunaChildren