ACF condemns bandits’ attacks, killings in Kaduna

• CAN commends El-Rufai for taking responsibility, seeks end to carnage
• Gunmen kill one, abduct another in Katsina

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has canvassed proactive military action in dealing with the activities of bandits across the country, just as it condemned the attacks and killings of no fewer than 51 people in Kaduna State.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Muhammad Biu, the Arewa elders lamented the killings of innocent Nigerians and destruction of property by armed bandits in Igabi and Giwa council areas.

His words: “The dastardly act was callous and inhuman, considering the high number of casualties in terms of lives lost and settlements affected. “ACF condemns the killings for whatever reason in strong terms, as this cannot in any way address the perceived concerns or grievances of the perpetrators of the crime.“Once more, the ACF appeals to all aggrieved persons to always channel their grievances through due process of law rather than taking the law into their hands.”

It also condemned the spate of killings by armed bandits and terrorists, not only in Kaduna State, but also in other parts of the country, adding, “ACF, therefore, calls on security agencies to always be proactive in their operations to avert such incidences.”

Besides, Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed delight that Governor Nasir El-Rufai has accepted the enormity of the security challenge in the state and the need to end it.

Specifically, CAN said now that the governor has begun to see and hear the security challenges, which have claimed several lives and property in the state, the onus was now with the government to curtail banditry and kidnapping that have held the state hostage.

“It is only when our leaders begin to ignore bad advisers around them that all will go well with the people. As long as public officers just want to keep their jobs without giving true advice to those in authority on what is happening to the common man on the street, we will never get it right in this country,” it stated.

State Chairman of CAN, Reverend Joseph Hayab, lamented the constant killings in the state by bandits and kidnappers, saying the state government should do everything possible to end the carnage.Also, Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security, Samuel Aruwan has commended the Nigerian Air Force over its effort in averting a holocaust in Giwa and Igabi council areas. He stated this on Radio France International, Hausa Service yesterday, saying, “We are deeply saddened by the killings.”

Meanwhile, bandits shot and killed a middle-aged man at Illela Market in Safana Council Area of Katsina State.Sources said the incident, which happened inside the market, caused confusion, as buyers and sellers scampered for safety.The Guardian learnt that the bandits, who were armed with AK47 rifles and riding on motorcycles, had pursued three men from a neighbouring forest into the market.

One of the sources said, “The bandits caught one of the men they were pursuing, tied him to the back of a motorcycle and took him into the forest, adding that after several attempts, the bandits apprehended the second man, whom they beat until he passed out.Spokesman of the state Police Command, SP Gambo Isah, was yet to respond to the issue as at time of filing this report.