By Muhammad Auwal Suleiman
Trouble erupted in New Madina, Juwape Phase 2, Maraban Gurku, Nasarawa State, when Abdul Zuru, a resident fell victim to a vicious dog attack.
The incident occurred as Zuru made his way home from evening prayers at a nearby mosque.
Confirming the ordeal, community chairman, Engineer Lawan Abbas, narrated the trend of attacks by the dogs owned by one Mr. Abdurrazaq Rosko.
“This marks the third occasion these animals have unleashed violence on members of our community,” Abbas lamented.
Amidst escalating tensions, some residents called for decisive action, advocating the immediate removal of the dogs by any means necessary.
Tempers flared as enraged individuals armed themselves with sticks, demanding justice for Zuru and swift action against the aggressive animals.
In a bid to quell rising unrest, community leaders intervened, restoring calm and brokering an agreement.
It was agreed that Mr. Rosko would remove his dogs from the community on Friday, March 15th, 2024, under the scrutiny of concerned residents.
A ban on American XL bully dogs came into effect in England and Wales two years ago after a spate of violent attacks.Currently, owners now must apply for an exemption, which requires proof of neutering and liability insurance, if they want to keep their pets.
All XL bullies must be muzzled and kept on a leash in public.
Before 2021, there were only about three fatal dog attacks per year in the U.K. Since 2021, however, there have been at least 23, many of which have involved American XL bullies, according to CBS News partner network BBC News.
“These dogs aren’t cared for by the breeders — they just want money — so from the greed at the start (and) irresponsible ownership in the middle, we’ve got children dying,” Emma Whitfield, whose 10-year-old son was killed by an American XL bully in 2021, said last September.
“My youngest son started comprehensive school last week, and he should have had his big brother showing him the ropes, but he’s had to do it on his own. We’re missing a massive piece of our family,” Whitfield added.
