The Kaduna state gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP), Isah Ashiru, has urged the state government and security
agencies to fish out and prosecute those involved in the killings of
villagers in Kajuru area of the state.
Ashiru, in a statement he issued in Kaduna Monday, expressed shock at
the report of the murder of innocent people, describing the situation
as unfortunate.
“This unfortunate incident is not only an unwanted addition to the
list of the past similar ones, but it is also a clear indication that
insecurity still remain a huge challenge in some parts of Kaduna
state.
“The fact that the loss of human lives has been confirmed makes the
whole issue terribly shocking. The act clearly smacks of callousness
and a descent into barbarism.
“This will require a tremendous determination and demonstration of a
sense of justice and fairness on the part of the authorities whose
responsibility it is to not only deal appropriately with the
perpetrators of such acts but to also forestall their recurrence.
“Let me quickly remind my dear good people of Kaduna state of the need
to embrace peace and eschew violence so that the diversity with which
Almighty God has endowed us can be harnessed for the good of all of
us.
“Our State is big, bountiful and rich enough to accommodate all of us.
All we need to do is to continuously remind ourselves of the fact that
resorting to violence has never benefitted us as a people,” Mr Ashiru
said.
He urged people of the state to endeavour to come together, regardless
of political, religious or ethnic differences, to let the world know
that we are committed to ridding our state of violence.
“At the same time, we must be willing to live as true brothers and
sisters that we have always been. While we condole with the bereaved
families, I also wish to re-assure everyone again that my bid to
clinch the governorship of Kaduna state is driven by both an immense
concern for our people and a total determination to rescue the state
from misrule.
“I, therefore, wish to express my heartfelt condolence to the families
of the victims, people of Kajuru local government area as well as the
government and the entire people of Kaduna state over this unfortunate
incident.
“It is my fervent prayer that Almighty God who created those souls
will expose the perpetrators of the heinous act.”
Unknown armed men had on February 11, attacked and killed 66 persons
including children and women in eight settlements in Kajuru local
government area of the state.
(NAN)
