Magaji Kwuka, 46, lost his wife and a son during a recent attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen on his village, Gonan-Rogo. Also, a deep cut in the head was inflicted on another son of his, Philips. He tells GODWIN ISENYO about the tragedy and how he and some others survived

How did you sustain your injuries?

There was an attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen on our village. On that fateful day, we were all sleeping when suddenly the suspected Fulani herdsmen invaded our village. They flashed their torches at me through the window and I was unable to see. Initially, I thought they were thieves so it was too late by the time I realised they were invaders who were armed to kill. They tried to shoot me but the gun jammed as one of them pulled the trigger. So, they used machetes to cut me in the head and arm. I heard my children crying and when I attempted to get up, I couldn’t get up. They left me and fled.

How many relations did you lose in the attack?

Before we were taken to the hospital, I was told they killed my wife and one of my children.

Based on accounts by eyewitnesses, who were the attackers?

I can’t say because when they came, they flashed torches at me and I was blinded so I couldn’t see anybody, let alone identify them.

What do you think led to the attack?

We don’t know but one thing is that before the attack, we heard a helicopter hovering overhead. It was after the helicopter hovered above that the attackers came in the night. The attackers also stole my cows.

How would you describe your wife?

She was such a nice woman.

Can you return to your village to continue with your life as a farmer?

I can’t go back to the village because of the attack. I can’t afford to do that because I have lost all that I have laboured for over the years. I lost my wife and a son in the attack. I have nothing left. So, going back to the village is meaningless to me.

What advice do you have for the government as regard the attacks in your village and the whole Southern Kaduna?

The government of the day should be sympathetic to the plight of the Adara people to ensure that there is a lasting peace in their communities.