Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The people from southern part of Kaduna State under the umbrella of Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) have called on the state government to probe the latest killings in the state, and as well release to the corpses of their kinsmen killed during the mayhem for proper burial.
Hostilities broke out, last Thursday, between the Hausa and Adara youths in Kasuwan Magani, following disagreement over a fleeing thief in the market, allegedly shielded by his people from being lynched because he was identified as belonging to a particular religion.
Kasuwan Magani is about 45 kilometres from Kaduna metropolis in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state.
The police confirmed 55 persons killed in the mayhem which, led to s reprisal attack in the state capital, leading to the killing of 26 persons as confirmed by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
However, a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer of SOKAPU, Mr. Yakubu Kuzamani said that, “We make a passionate appeal on the government to set up an impartial probe panel to investigate the Kasuwan Magani massacre that led to scores of deaths and fish out the instigators of the crisis.
“We are aware that bereaved families are yet to receive corpses for decent burials.
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“We urge relevant security agencies to ensure release of these corpses to their relatives for proper burial according to each faith.
“The carnage at Kasuwan Magani that led to the death of many is unfortunate. We commiserate with families of the dead and the injured and pray to God for quick healing. We are also sad with the happening within the metropolis on Sunday 21st.
“We condemn in unequivocal terms the abduction of the Agom Adara, His Royal Highness, Dr. Maiwada Galadima, on October 19, 2018, and we call on security agencies to ensure his safe return from his captors.
“We are very worried at the suspicious incidents occurring around our traditional institutions. In the space of 11 months: the Etum Numana was assassinated; the Agom Akulu was kidnapped and now the Agom Adara was brutally kidnapped and some of his aides killed.
“In the midst of a dubious reform in the traditional institutions this is sure to raise some suspicions.
“We view the enforcement of the curfew by the state government as discriminatory and aimed at punishing a particular people and area.
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“Because, while some parts living in the metropolis were allowed limited time to move freely and access basic items and foodstuff, some other areas were not.
“Though the curfew has now been relaxed, we still insist that such shouldn’t have happened.
“The state government must, at all times, show itself as impartial, build trust among its citizens and work for the good of all at all times.
“We urge the Government to take all available measures to protect and defend our traditional institutions, as well as all other citizens of the state.
“We call on citizens in the state to imbibe patience and not take the law into their hands in all circumstances.
“SOKAPU is reaching out with relevant agencies and groups to help see to the quick resolutions of the crisis that has thrown a cloud of uncertainties over the fragile peace in the state.
“We urge Government to ensure that NEMA/SEMA, with all urgency, decisively intervene to settle the bills of all those in hospital; provide relief materials and reconstruct structures destroyed and generally rehabilitate the victims especially the vulnerable.
“We join well-meaning Nigerians to pray for the quick return of normalcy in our state”.
