From Aminu Dalhatu, Kaduna
Troops of the Nigerian Army and Police Operatives have confirmed to the Kaduna State Government that a group of migrating persons sighted around Tafa Village in Kagarko Local Government Area of the state are herders on transit.
A statement by the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs Mr Samuel Aruwan says following several distress calls from citizens on movement of armed bandits in the area, security operatives were mobilized to the area for confirmation and possible engagement.
According to the statement, the troops trailed the group to an open field at Toba village, Tafa, Niger State and upon confirmatory checks, it was discovered that they were herders in transit from Dobi in Gwagwalada (FCT) and Gawu-Babangida, Lambata (Niger State) to their original stations in Plateau and Bauchi States.
It says a head-count was conducted by the troops, which revealed that of the 53 herders, 9 were men, 7 young male adults, 37 women and children.
The statement explains that a thorough inspection revealed that they had three motorcycles and no dangerous or incriminating materials were found in their possession.
Receiving the report, Governor Nasiru El-Rufai thanked the troops for their prompt response in conducting the checks and wished the herders a safe passage to their destinations.