10 killed in Banisa dawn attack by suspected clan militias

MANDERA—At least ten people are feared dead at Doomool location, Banisa sub-county in Mandera County following retaliatory attack by suspected clan militia on Tuesday night.

While speaking to Kulan Post, the head of Mandera county security team said the attack was carried out by members of one of the clans residing in the area.

“The attack is by men from around this area,” Mandera County Commissioner Onesmus Kathya said.

Doomal is inhabited by the Garre clan. The dawn attack left an eight-month old child dead as well four women and five men.

According to the North Eastern Mohamed Regional Commissioner Mohmmed Birik, the attack was a retaliation of another one that had happened in Ethiopia where two people were killed and 100 camels stolen.

He said armed militia from one clan raided Doomal village at dawn killing the victims on the spot.

“Mine is to call for calm as the government apprehends those behind the attack,” Birik said at his office in Garissa.

Wajir Governor, Mohamed Abdi condemned the attack and called on locals to maintain peace. 

“I strongly condemn the senseless killing of nine innocent pastoralists, at their nomadic residence, in Banisa of Mandera County by unknown gun men who raided them at the wee hours of last night. I urge the security agencies to apprehend the heartless bandits with speed, arrest and subject them to the full force of the  law,” the governor said.

He also called on local leaders to spearhead bid to apprehend the assailants.

”I appeal to the residents of Banisa to give time to the security officers and the leadership of the county to institute investigations by being calm and preaching peace. 

“Let us not allow cowards who are out to divide us along clans open windows for retaliations and counter-retaliations which will further increase our losses and will be counterproductive,” Abdi added.

The majority Garre and Degodia clans have previously fought in Mandera North over land dispute.