The renewed killings in Kaduna communities has become a major source of worry to the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Kaduna State, Jonathan Asake, who has now challenged the governor, Nasir el-Rufai, to show exemplary leadership as the chief security officer of the state by stopping the ongoing attacks.

Asake recalled the killing of last week of eight innocent helpless people in villages of Mallagum and Kpak in Kagoro communities of Kaura Local Council and Kamuru-Ikulu in Zangon Kataf Local Council within two days, saying it was provocative, highly insensitive and condemnable, especially during this festive season.

The governorship candidate of the LP, who spoke during a condolence visit to all the deceased families, at the weekend, lamented the inability of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government in the state to protect the lives and property of its citizens.

He said that government “must have the will to take decisions to apprehend and prosecute criminals and their sponsors no matter who they are in the society to serve as deterrent to others.”

Also, in a press statement by his media aide, James Swam, the LP governorship candidate urged “the people to remain calm and not resort to anything negative but allow government to do its work.”

“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 the 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 was accompanied by his running mate, Bashir Aliyu. He prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed, urging “the families of the victims to leave everything to God."

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