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Tag: Kaduna

  • CAN to Buhari, El-Rufai: Bring those behind fresh Kaduna killings to justice

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Monday challenged the Federal and Kaduna State governments to end impunity in Kaduna by bringing masterminds of the killings there to justice.

    CAN expressed shock over the killing of the paramount ruler of Kachia, the Agom Adara, Dr Maiwada Galadima, and his security aide and driver by suspected kidnappers.

    The Christian body in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, by its media aide to CAN President, Pastor Bayo Oladeji, asked the government to stop politicising the crises and sanction those behind them.

    It said, “We have it on a good authority the killings in Adamawa, Benue and Plateau states in the last two years have been going unchecked as if nothing unusual is happening? Many were even unreported.

    “This is a sad commentary on the part of the government. Has Nigeria become a lawless state? Are those hoodlums better equipped and more organised than our security agencies?

    “We ask the political class to stop politicising the orgy of killings and for both state and Federal Governments to stop rationalising the mass killing of innocent Nigerians and sanction those responsible for this horrifying bloodshed.”

    CAN demanded an overhaul of the security architecture and replacement of the security chiefs.

    It also asked for the implementation of all the White Papers on ethno-religious uprisings in the country and the prosecution of those apprehended for the killings in Southern Kaduna two years ago.

    The group further demanded compensation for the bereaved and victims of all ethno-religious conflicts in the last five years.

  • Police arrest 32 with links to renewed violence in Kaduna

    The Kaduna State Government on Saturday said 32 people had been arrested in connection with the renewed violence in Kaduna metropolis on Friday.
     
    Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Samuel Aruwan, announced this in a statement in Kaduna on Saturday.
     
    He said that the number of arrested persons over the renewed disturbances was given by the Police at the state’s Security Council meeting, adding that “these persons will be investigated and prosecuted’’.
     
    Aruwan also said that within the areas covered by the curfew, “security agencies thwarted attempts to destroy places of worship in Kawo and Hayin Banki.
     
    “It was also reported that one person was killed in Kasuwan Magani and another arrested with a weapon overnight while attempting to burn down the market there.”
     
    He announced that the government has relaxed the curfew in Kachia, allowing residents free movement from 6a.m. to 5p.m. daily.
     
    “The Security Council noted with gratitude the exemplary conduct of the people of Kachia who have remained peaceful while mourning the loss of a much-revered monarch.
     
    “In recognition of this positive contribution to harmony, the Security Council has directed that the curfew in Kachia be relaxed immediately, today, Saturday, 27th October, 2018.”
     
    He added that the council sympathised with residents over the inconveniences associated with the curfew, saying that it was imposed to save lives and was under constant review.
     
    “The Security Council noted the substantial compliance with the curfew by residents and welcomed the atmosphere of calm largely prevailing in the areas under curfew as well as across the state.
     
    “The Council commended residents for refusing to allow criminal elements to divide our communities and sow chaos.
     
    “It urged Kaduna residents to continue to cooperate with the security agencies to ensure that those who want a peaceful, law-governed society prevail over criminals who prefer chaos and anarchy.”

  • Kaduna Killings: Reps urge Police to fish out perpetrators

    Kaduna Killings: Reps urge Police to fish out perpetrators

    The House of Representatives on Tuesday called on the Nigerian Police Force to carry out thorough investigation to fish out the perpetrators of killings, abduction and destruction of property in Kaduna State.
    This was sequel to a motion under matters of urgent public importance by Rep. Yakubu Barde (Kaduna-PDP), on the need to address killings, abduction and destruction of property in Kajuru and Chikun local government areas of Kaduna State.
    Moving the motion, Barde noted that Kasuwan Magani, a community in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state always hosted large and weekly market that usually attracted many sellers and buyers from different parts of the state and the country.
    According to him, on Oct. 18, 2018 which was a market day, the community was thrown into crisis which started in the market and spread to other areas of the community.
    He also said that the Paramount Ruler of Adara people, the Agom Adara, on receiving the report of the crisis paid an on-the-spot visit to the area.
    The lawmaker said the Ruler was on his way back abducted alongside with his wife and driver by armed men, while three other persons on his entourage lost their lives.
    Barde said that the Ruler’s wife was, however, released two days ago.
    “On Oct. 21, 2018 which happened to be a market day in Kajuma town in Chikun local government area, some hoodlums suddenly launched an attack on marketers in the guise of retaliation of what happened in Kasuwar Magani.
    “This spread panic to neighbouring town like Rico, Sabon Tasha and Jonruwa with irate youths barricading the roads, thereby killing some people and burning cars.
    “As a result of the crisis, over 50 persons lost their lives with property worth millions of Naira destroyed and many families rendered homeless,” he said.
    The lawmaker expressed worry at the spate and rate in which the lives and property of citizens were being destroyed at the slightest provocation with absolute disregards for human lives.
    According to him, barely eight months ago, a similar crisis was recorded in the same community during which several lives and property were destroyed.
    He, therefore, commended the timely intervention of Gov.Nasiru El-Rufa’i and security agents to bring the situation under control.
    Contributing to the motion, Rep. Toby Okechukwu (Enugu-PDP), expressed worry over the killings and called for full investigation into the crisis.
    The House observed a minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives.
    It also mandated the National Emergency Management (NEMA) to provide relief materials to the families and persons affected by the crisis.
    The House also urged the security agents to intensify efforts at ensuring the release of the abducted paramount ruler.
    NAN

  • [Audio] El-Rufai speaks on Kaduna killings

    Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State on Monday addressed residents over recent violent clashes in the state.
    The governor said in a statewide broadcast on the crisis that the government remained committed to ensuring lasting peace across the state.
    “The support of communities have been reassuring,” he said, adding that they must also “reject those who incite violence and divide us.”
    The governor cautioned residents against spreading rumour and fake news which contributed largely to the violence.
    WhatsApp Audio 2018-10-22 at 21.17.55
    He said that in spite of the relative peace across all communities, the 24-hour curfew imposed on Kaduna metropolis and environs still remain in force.
    The governor however said that the State Security Council would meet on Tuesday morning to review the security situation and possibly reduce the hours of the curfew.
    The governor said security agents have been directed to escort travellers passing through Kaduna to the outskirts of the town so as not to impeded the journey.
    El-Rufai assured that the government would vigorously pursue the prosecution of all those apprehended in the course of the recent violence across the state, including the 65 being prosecuted over an earlier violence in Kasuwan Magani in February.
    El-Rufa’i who commended security agents for their professionalism in containing the violence, however stressed that the ultimate guarantee to peace lies in the willingness of all to live in peace and resolve misunderstandings amicably.
    NAN

  • Buhari condemns fresh communal clashes in Kaduna

    Buhari condemns fresh communal clashes in Kaduna

    President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the latest communal violence in Kasuwan Magani in Kaduna State which claimed 55 lives.

    Reacting to the violent clashes, Buhari said the frequent resort to bloodshed by Nigerians over misunderstandings that can be resolved peacefully, is worrisome.

    According to him, “No culture and religion support the disregard for the sanctity of life,” adding that “peaceful coexistence is necessary for the progress of any society and its wellbeing.”

    He noted that without communal harmony, the environment for the conduct of “our everyday businesses would be impossible to achieve.”

    The president explained that “violence cannot be an alternative to peace. On the contrary, reliance on violence leads to ultimate self-destruction. Violence is an ill wind that blows nobody any good. Embracing peace is a necessity.”

    In commending the Kaduna State government for its rapid response to the crisis, the President appealed to community leaders to engage in regular dialogue to nip imminent crises in the bud, while admonishing the people to develop the spirit of tolerance and patience at all times.

     

  • Gunmen kill police orderly, abduct paramount ruler, wife in Kaduna

    Gunmen have killed a police orderly and abducted Mr Maiwada Galadima, Paramount Chief of Adara Chiefdom in Kachia, Kaduna State and his wife.
    The incident took place in Kaduna-Kachia road, Mr Ibrahim Yakubu, son in-law to the Chief, told our reporters.
    Yakubu explained that the Chief and his wife were taken away while returning to Kachia from Kaduna.
    “The Kidnappers stopped the Chief’s vehicle at the military check point at Idon and shot his Police Orderly.
    “Immediately, they took the Chief and his wife into the bush leaving behind two of his drivers, his daughter and a granddaughter,” he said.
    Efforts to get police confirmation proved abortive as Mr Yakubu Sabo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Kaduna Police Command was yet to pick telephone calls.

  • 55 killed in Kaduna’s Kasuwan Magani crisis

    The Kaduna State Police Command yesterday confirmed 55 people dead in Thursday’s communal crisis at Kasuwan Magani in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state.
    Twenty two suspects are already being quizzed by the police in connection with the mayhem, according to Police Commissioner Ahmad Abdur-Rahman.
    Abdul-Rahaman told reporters that normalcy has already been restored by mobile and conventional policemen as well as a team of the state joint security Operation Yaki, despatched to the town.
    It was the latest crisis in the area after a similar mayhem last February claimed 10 lives.
    The latest crisis was sparked by some youths in the area.
    Governor Nasir El-Rufai visited the area yesterday to assess the situation.
    He had,on Thuirsday soon after the problem started, imposed a two-hour curfew on the axis.
    The police commissioner also visited the area to engage youth leaders, traditional and religious leaders as part of the effort to check further bloodshed.
    He acknowledged that the timely imposition of the curfew by the state government helped in dousing tension in the area.
    The police chief vowed that all perpetrators of the mayhem would be brought to book
    “Anybody that has a hand in this crisis must face the full wrath of law; we will not allow lawlessness; we remain committed to saving life and property of every citizens,” he said.
    He appealed to the public to continue to live in peace and assist the command with useful information to track the perpetrators.
    El-Rufai, during his visit, asked residents to live in harmony.
    He went round the town, accompanied by traditional and religious leaders.
    Thereafter, he met with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in the local government area,saying: “We are here to see and to listen for ourselves. We must live in peace and never use violence to solve a problem.
    “We are not happy with this and government will pursue and punish those responsible for this devilish act.
    “We must value the sanctity of life. I want to beg you to cooperate with the security agencies because prosecution of conflict entrepreneurs is inevitable. I will come back in one week time to see how things are.”
     

  • Pandemonium as gunmen kill two mobile policemen, civilian in Kaduna

    There was pandemonium in Nasarawa area of Kaduna metropolis on Wednesday following gunshots by unknown gunmen that left two policemen dead and five other officers injured.
    A civilian, identified as a driver of IBBI, a brewery company located in the area, was also killed in the attack.
    The affected police officers were attached to IBBI, a brewery company, on guard duty.
    The incident occurred around 5:15 a.m. when residents were preparing for the Islamic morning prayers in a mosque close to the company.
    “There were gunshots as residents were at the mosque getting prepared for the morning prayers. We did not know what was happening but we suspected the attackers were armed robbers,” an eye witness said.
    The two police officers reported;y died on the spot of the attack while the driver died at Saint Gerald Hospital, Kaduna.
    The hospital’s spokesperson, Sunday Ali said three bodies had been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.
    According to him, five injured mobile police officers were also receiving treatment in the hospital.
    ” Yes, five mopol were brought to this hospital in the early hours of today. We have been managing them. Two mopol died at the spot of the incident .
    “One driver of the brewery company was also involved. So three bodies are in the mortuary as we speak.
    “Some of the injured policemen are in critical condition while others sustained some degrees of injuries,” he said.
     

  • Two policemen, civilian killed, five others injured in Kaduna

    The Kaduna State Police Command, has confirmed the killing of two policemen and a civilian by unknown gunmen in the early hours of Wednesday in Kaduna.
    The Command Public Relation Officer, DSP Yakubu Sabo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the policemen were on foot patrol when they were killed at about 05 25 am.
    “Some unknown armed men attacked our policemen who were on foot patrol along Nnamdi Azikiwe expressway by IBBI company in Kakuri area of Kaduna.
    “After a fierce gun duel, two of our men and a civilian driver were killed and five other policemen sustained gun injuries and are receiving treatment at a hospital in Kaduna,” Sabo said.
    According to him, the attackers did not take away any arms as some they were forced to retreat with bullet wounds.
    He disclosed that detectives have been mobilized to the area with a view to track down the fleeing killers and bring them to justice.
    “The commissioner of Police, Ahmad Abdur-Rahman is saddened by the ugly incident and vowed to bring the perpetrators to book.
    “The CP also sympathizes with the families of the gallant officers who laid their lives for their country and pray for the repose of their souls.”
    Sabo said investigation is ongoing on the incident and that the command will update the public in due course.
    NAN

  • Kaduna APC primaries: Why I rejected Sani's N10m bribe – Electoral Committee chair

    The Chairman of the Electoral Panel set up by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to preside over the party’s recent primaries in Kaduna State, Mr. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, has alleged that Senator Shehu Sani offered him a bribe to get an affirmation for his controversial automatic ticket.
    Mr. Iduoriyekemwen dropped the bombshell while responding to questions over allegations that the committee was bribed to skew the primary election results in favour of some aspirants of the APC in the state.
    Iduoriyekemwen said: “The only person in Kaduna State who offered me money was Senator Shehu Sani through one of my comittee members, to inform me that N10m gift was set aside for the committee chairman, and I said we didn’t need the money, asking them what the money was for.
    “Even after the primaries, before the announcement of results, Senator Shehu and his men put pressure on us to come and take the money. He called me several times but we made it clear to him that we didn’t need cash inducement at all.”
    The electoral panel chairman also disclosed that the incumbent Kaduna Central Senator made last-minute efforts to get him to accept the offer to no avail.
    Iduoriyekemwen, who is also a former Majority Leader of Edo State House of Assembly and one-time board member of the Niger-Delta Development Commission(NDDC) also expressed readiness to forward the telephone number of his committee member through whom the pledge of N10m offer was announced to the leadership of the panel.
    The Electoral Panel Chairman also expressed satisfaction with the manner in which the election was conducted, describing it as “peaceful, orderly and rancour-free”.
    Contacted on the telephone by our correspondent, a member of the APC Electoral Committee, Mr. Akeem Okedara, also denied the allegation that the committee was bribed to skew the primary election results in favour of some aspirants of the APC in the state.
    “There was nothing like that. It was Shehu Sani who wanted to give us something but we turned it down,” he said.
    However, in a swift reaction, Senator Sani described the allegation against him as “frivolous and mischievous.”
    Speaking through his media aide, Abdulsamad Chima Amadi, Senator Sani said: “Our attention has been drawn to a mischievous and frivolous news making the rounds that the chairman of the Kaduna APC electoral panel purportedly claimed he was offered financial inducements by Senator Shehu Sani.
    “The committee chairman probably had a dream to that effect. It is laughable for him to claim an aspirant who was the sole candidate cleared in Kaduna central offered him financial inducements.
    “First of all, Senator Shehu Sani virtually had no rival in the primaries. He was the only person cleared. So what does he need to bribe the committee for?
    “Secondly, when the committee and the state government connived to stage a fake senatorial primaries in Kaduna State, Senator Shehu Sani made it cristal clear that he was not going to participate in the so called primaries because it was an illegality.
    So when you look at it from all angles, Senator Shehu Sani had no reasons whatsoever to bribe the committee.
    “Senator Shehu Sani is a distinguished and law abiding citizen who has over the years earned a good name for himself through his uncompromising stance against corruption.
    “It is obvious that some desperate politicians who have become synonymous with failure are behind these baseless and frivolous accusations.
    “Just like all their attempts to malign, frame up, intimidate and harm Senator Shehu in the past failed, this one too has failed on arrival.
    “No amount of blackmail will deter or destract Senator Shehu Sani. We stand by the mandate given to him by the APC and good people of Kaduna Central and, as usual, that mandate shall be put to good use for the betterment of our people.”