Buhari tasks security agents on Kaduna killings, violence in Rivers

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday condemned the recent violence in Kaduna State, which culminated in the death of no fewer than 20 residents of Adara Community.

He stated this in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu in Abuja, saying: “These unfortunate deaths are the latest incident between the Adara and Fulani people in the state, who have a long history of mistrust among themselves.”

The President, who sued for peace, however, decried the prevailing culture of an-eye-for-an-eye that has fuelled several attacks and reprisals between the two communities at different times, suffering casualties in Kajuru and Kachia local government areas of the state.

Buhari also lamented the resurgence of killings by cult groups in Rivers State and consequently directed increased community and law enforcement agencies’ action to curb the menace.

He directed security agencies to intensify their efforts to end the menace before it escalates further, urging quick intervention of community and civic leaders to support aw enforcement agents in all areas rife with cultist attacks and inter-communal violence.

Besides, worried by the deplorable condition of the victims of armed banditry in Kajuru, the Kaduna State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday donated relief materials worth millions of naira to over 7,000 victims of various attacks in the area.

The relief materials comprised foodstuff, clothes, shoes and children’s school bags were presented to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Kasuwan Magani for onward distribution to the victims across Kajuru Local Government Area.

Delivering the relief materials, CAN Chairman in Chikun Local Government Area, Reverend Shekwolo Ayuba Kasuwa said: “CAN is deeply disturbed by the devastating effect the attacks on defenseless persons has brought to the people, hence the need to participate in ensuring that those affected are taking care of.”

Also, the Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the killing of 21 persons and rustling of 50 cows by armed bandits in Banono and Anguwan Aku villages, a district of Kajuru council. 

The command’s PPRO, ASP Yakubu Sabo in a statement disclosed that police received a distress call about 9:30 that a group of armed men in large number on motorbikes entered Banono and Anguwan Aku in Kajuru local government, shooting sporadically at villagers, killing 21 persons and leaving three others critically injured.