- Sarkin Bakan Hausawan Africa urges FG, Edo govt to bring perpetrators of Uromi killings to justice
A faction of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states has condemned the spate of attacks in Plateau.
Gunmen have killed over 100 people in Plateau communities in two weeks.
Meanwhile, Alh Abashe Garba, the Sarkin Bakan Hausawan Africa, has called on the Federal and Edo State Governments to ensure that all those implicated in the gruesome killing of the Sixteen hunters from Kano were appropriately dealt with in accordance with the laws of the country.
Security agencies were also urged to do their professional duties of fishing out the perpetrators of the heinous crimes and prosecuting them in the courts for justice to be served.
On April 14, at least 54 people were killed after gunmen invaded Kimakpa village in Miango district of Bassa LGA.
In a statement on Tuesday, Yakubu Pam, chairman of the CAN faction, demanded justice for victims and an end to the “senseless” killings.
“We are deeply saddened and outraged by the senseless and barbaric attacks that have claimed the lives of innocent and peace-loving citizens,” the statement reads.
“These repeated acts of violence are not only a violation of human dignity and the sanctity of life, but they are also a direct threat to the peace and unity of our state and the nation at large.”
Pam added that Northern CAN stands in solidarity with grieving families and the people of Bassa LGA.
He asked security agencies to act swiftly and decisively to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
“We also urge the government at all levels to take proactive steps to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further loss of lives,” he added.
The chairman said the time has come for all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, security operatives, and community-based organisations, to unite against the cycle of violence that has plagued Plateau for decades.
“We pray for peace, healing, and justice. Plateau must not bleed again,” the statement added.
By Sunday night, not less than 49 persons were confirmed killed and many others injured following a brutal attack on the Zike Kimakpa community in Kwall district of Irigwe Chiefdom, Bassa local government area of Plateau State.
The incident, which occurred late Sunday night, left the affected community in grief and devastation and also left several persons injured.
It was also gathered that some homes were razed down by the gunmen.
LEADERSHIP reports that several persons were injured while over 30 houses burnt in the process.
Sources from the community told our correspondent that gunmen invaded them and started shooting sporadically on Sunday night.
Danjuma Dickson Auta, the secretary general of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), who confirmed the attack in a telephone interview with newsmen, said over 49 bodies had so far been recovered and still counting.
According to him, the scale of the violence suggests a well-planned and coordinated assault on the community.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State government has condemned in strong terms another unprovoked attack by gunmen on the Zike Kimakpa community of Kwall district Miango, Bassa local government council of the state.
The commissioner for information and communication, Hon Joyce Ramnap, who spoke to our correspondent on the phone, said the attack is one too many and that this series of attacks poses an existential threat to the lives and livelihoods of the peace-loving people of the state.
“It is sad that in less than two weeks after our people were killed in Bokkos local government, this sad incident is reoccurring in another community in Bassa local government.”
She described the attack as another attempt to puncture the peace that has gradually returned to the state, maintaining that the attacks are provocative, but called on the peaceful people of the state, particularly in the attacked communities, to remain calm and vigilant.
The commissioner emphasised that the Mutfwang administration is determined to deal decisively with anybody or groups found culpable in attacking innocent persons in the state.
She advised against reprisals and urged security operatives to go after the perpetrators of these dastardly acts.
While speaking to Journalists in Bauchi on Tuesday, the Sarkin Bakan Hausawan Africa strongly condemned the killings, stressing that this is not the first time Northerners have faced attacks in the Southern region of the country and emphasised the urgent need for justice in order to promote peace and national unity.
He, therefore, extended his condolences to the families of the victims and to the Hausa leadership across Africa under Alhaji Abdulkadir Dahiru Koguna just as he offered prayers for the deceased, hoping that justice would soon prevail and serve as a deterrent to future violence.
He said that, “We want the government to take immediate action to ensure all those involved in the killings are apprehended and punished according to the law.”
Addressing concerns over local guns reportedly found with the victims, Abashe Garba explained that hunters have long been associated with the use of guns, and that their operations are lawful and well-structured.
According to him, “We operate as an organised group. Carrying guns is not illegal for our members, as these are tools used in hunting. All our members carry official identification cards and should be verified through proper channels when stopped.”
He stressed that “It’s impossible to hunt with bare hands. Since ancient times, hunters have used weapons from bows and arrows to firearms. Wild animals cannot be caught like domestic ones; they require shooting, and we use guns for that purpose.”
Abashe Garba also highlighted the critical role hunters play in promoting peace and security nationwide.
According to him, “For example, in Bauchi State alone. Just two years ago in Ningi, particularly in the Ganji area, we confronted kidnappers in several battles. I lost eight of my men, but we succeeded in overcoming the threat.”
“Similarly, in Magama Gumau, the area faced recurring kidnappings less than two years ago. I was called upon, and I deployed my team to tackle the problem. The community is now peaceful,” he added.
He urged the Federal and State Governments, as well as others, to continue assisting the hunters in order to enhance their morale and strengthen their contributions to national security.
