Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, has condemned the killing of 12 Kaduna citizens who were attacked in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State while travelling to a wedding ceremony in Quan Pan LGA. Eleven others reportedly sustained various degrees of injuries in the incident.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, Governor Sani described the killings as “acts of savagery” and called for the perpetrators to be swiftly brought to justice.
“We condemn in the strongest terms these acts of savagery. The criminals must be fished out and dealt with accordingly,” he said.
The victims were travelling through the troubled Mangun District when they were attacked. Governor Sani urged security agencies to act decisively: “We call on security agencies to leave no stone unturned until these criminal elements are hunted down and brought to justice. We must put a stop to the nefarious activities of non-state actors. There is no justification for anybody to attack any citizen of Nigeria in any part of the country. This madness must stop. Enough is enough.”
He also challenged Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, to take firm control of the situation. “He must take full charge of the situation and direct the operations of the security agencies until the murderers are brought to justice,” Sani said, adding that he would personally follow up on the progress of investigations and field operations.
Calling for calm among Kaduna residents, Governor Sani urged citizens to remain peaceful and committed to the state’s ongoing efforts in peacebuilding. “We have made remarkable progress in peace building and conflict transformation in Kaduna State. The Kaduna Peace Model is a pointer to the fact that with political will, commitment and sincerity of purpose, a toxic environment can be turned into an ‘oasis of peace’,” he said.
He also noted that the crisis in Plateau State is not beyond resolution and called for collective efforts to end bloodshed. “The situation in Plateau State is not irredeemable. The bloodshed must stop,” he said.
Extending his condolences to the victims’ families, Governor Sani said he remains in contact with them and promised full support, including medical care for the injured. “We shall do all in our power to lessen their pains. We shall also ensure that the injured victims receive adequate medical attention. May the gentle souls of our departed citizens rest in perfect peace,” the statement concluded.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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