In the heart of the community of Fatika, Nigeria, a delicate and alarming situation was recently brought to the attention of the relevant authorities. A petition from the local family, analyzed by news agency NAN, raises serious questions regarding the presence of soldiers allegedly controversially deployed to the area.
The family in question made a series of pressing demands, urging military authorities to withdraw soldiers from Fatika, return confiscated animals, and stop the sale of agricultural land belonging to the community. Allegations were also made against the soldiers, accusing them of arbitrarily killing 12 family members without any provocation.
The names of the deceased have been released, putting faces to these tragedies: Nura Abdussalam, Adamu Abdulkarim, Yusuf Haruna, Buhari Haruna, Kabiru Haruna, Hussaini Haruna, Zinatu Bello, Haruna Idris, Waziri, Rayyanu Shuaibu, Alhaji Abdulkarim and Salisu Abdulkarim. A poignant list that illustrates the seriousness of the events that shook this community.
In the petition addressed to the National Security Advisor, dated April 12, 2024, the family’s legal representative, Bello Ibrahim, called for a thorough investigation into the actions of the incriminated soldiers. The family’s demands include the return of the animals, payment of financial compensation and guarantees of protection against any form of harassment or human rights violation.
The story of the tragic incidents dates back to December 3, 2022, when individuals suspected of belonging to the armed forces burst into the village and took the lives of 10 family members, without valid reason. The offensive was allegedly orchestrated by a certain Sergeant Usman, locally nicknamed Bagobiri because of his tribal markings, stationed in Fatika after being assigned to the Basawa base in Zaria.
The grisly details continue with the confiscation of herds belonging to the family, including 168 cows in January and 518 head of cattle in March, under the alleged supervision of Sergeant Usman. The acts of illegal sale and transportation of the animals were described in detail in the petition, highlighting the extent of the damage suffered by the family.
Despite the pressure and intimidation exerted by the soldiers, the family showed their determination not to be pushed towards criminality. On the contrary, she intends to use all legal remedies to recover her property and protect her land, vital to her existence and means of subsistence.
Faced with this most worrying situation, a rapid and equitable solution is imperative. The competent authorities are called upon to act quickly, returning the confiscated animals and guaranteeing respect for the fundamental rights of the Fatika community.. The path to justice and reparation for the harm suffered by the family is essential to restore peace and stability in this troubled region.