From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in Kaduna state, Hon. Jonathan Asake, has challenged the governor, Nasir Elrufai, to show exemplary leadership as the chief security officer of the state by halting the renewed attacks and killings in communities of southern Kaduna.
Asake said the killings penultimate week of eight innocent, helpless people in villages of Mallagum and Kpak in Kagoro communities of Kaura local government and Kamuru-Ikulu in Zangon Kataf local government areas, “within two days was provocative, highly insensitive and condemnable, especially during this festive season”.
A press statement on Sunday by Asake’s media aide, James Swam, quoted the governorship candidate urging the people to remain calm and not to resort to anything negative but allow government to do its work.
Asake who spoke during a condolence visit to all the families of the deceased persons at the weekend, however lamented the inability of the APC government in the state to protect the lives and property of its citizens.
He emphasised that government must have the will to take decisions to apprehend and prosecute criminals and their sponsors no matter who they are in society to serve as deterrent to others.
Asake noted that farmers must be allowed to harvest their yields and the people of southern Kaduna must be able to spend this Christmas in a peaceful atmosphere, devoid of intimidation, harassment or uncertainties.
“It’s sad to witness another round of killings. We are here to pay condolences to the families of those whose members lost their lives in these attacks. It appears this killings, happening towards Christmas and not long before elections, is to displace the electorate and push them into the IDPs.
“I wish to take this time to sympathise with these families and the entire people of Mallagum in Kagoro chiefdom and Kamuru-Ikulu in Ikulu chiefdom. I want to call on the government to step up security in communities around the festive period.
“As chief security officer of the state the governor must rise to the occasion and defend the poor famers in many communities in not only Southern Kaduna, but the entire state,” the governorship candidate stated.
Asake, who was accompanied by his running mate, Rt. Hon Bashir Aliyu, prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed. He urged the families to leave everything to God who is the ultimate judge, and added that their patience and trust in God will not go in vain.