Residents at Garissa-Isiolo border flee for fear of retaliatory attacks

Hundreds of residents have  fled their homes in fear of retaliatory attacks after three people were killed in Eldere village on the border of Garissa and Isiolo.(Courtesy)

By Kevin Kyalo

GARISSA—Residents of Garbatula in Isiolo and their neighbors in Lagdera in Garissa county have sought refuge at Gafarasa township for fear of retaliatory attacks.

This after three people were killed in Eldere village on the border of Garissa and Isiolo. Hundreds of residents have since fled their homes in fear of attacks.

Garissa youth leaders  condemned the inter-border conflicts and are calling for peace and co-existence between the two communities.

They want the national government to reside over the transfer of regional commissioners in both Garissa and Isiolo for failing to address this critical insecurity situation.

They are urging the government to deploy more police officers in Lagdera to prevent more attacks and also gazette more police facilities in the region to ensure security prevails.

Garissa County political leaders led by Ali Bunow Korane noted that the violence was sparked by Isiolo south Member of Parliament Abdi Koropu whom they want arrested.

While addressing his constituents, Mr Koropu said that they will be defending themselves from Lagdera residents whom he accused of settling on their land.

“As leaders, we need to be careful with what we say in public. We should champion peace and not sow seeds of discord. There is no benefit in people fighting and killing each other, Korane noted.

While addressing the fleed residents in Garbatula town, the Isiolo south legislator accused the Garissa leaders for the chaos.

“The Regional Coordinator Eastern province, Mr Wycliffe Ogallo should take responsibility and tackle the dispute  between these two districts,” said Mp Koropu.

Eldere location senior chief Abdullahi Mohammed appealed for peace while assuring the government was addressing the situation.

This comes after 500 goats were stolen by clan militia who raided homes and looted shops.

“We have had more police officers been deployed to ensure the safety of all those been targeted by these bandits.”

A lorry ferrying relief food was also shot at by the bandits along the Garbatula-Madogashe road.