Sir,

There is an organisation, a youth forum, comprising leaders of the five major tribes in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State – Bajju, Atyap, Ikulu, Anghan and Hausa/Fulani. It has been in existence since 2011. The forum has been involved in so many progressive and developmental activities, among which is sensitisation and creating awareness on issues of public interest.

Sir, the Miyetti Allah Breeders Association of Nigeria Kaduna State (MACBAN) wrote a letter on 10th January 2017, threatening to attack Ungwa Gaiya/Mabushi indigenous community. This was picked at the corridors of the District Head of Ungwan Gaiya. This threat was reported to security agencies both in Zonkwa and Kafanchan respectively. You will recall that on 17th January 2017, three people were killed by gunmen, and four others were seriously injured. They were hospitalised through gunshots from the attackers in Samaru Kataf of Zango Kataf LGA. The victims were attacked by the gunmen while undergoing their lawful business activities on the regular Tuesday market in their area. This prompted the imposition of 24-hour curfew by the Kaduna State Government. The effort of the state government was greeted with joy, which was perceived to aim at restoring law and order, and to forestall further loss of lives and break-down of law and order.

Little did we know that the government was not aimed at maintaining law and order but to further hold the good people of Zango Kataf, who were victims of the unfortunate attack, hostage. It is over 20 days since the government enforced an unlawful dawn to dusk curfew in the local government, on the harmless and attacked communities. It is very important to note that this singular act by the government is outright abuse of constitutional powers and unlawful maltreatment of the citizens.

In view of the ongoing curfew imposed on Zangon Kataf since 17th January 2017, the leadership of the above-named organisation, rising from an emergency meeting on 2nd February 2017 have viewed with great concern the continuous imposition of curfew in Zangon Kataf Local Government and, therefore, urge the Speaker and honourable members of the house to call the governor to order, and restrain him from further abuse of power and maltreatment of innocent citizens.

Honourable Speaker, sir, while our people were being attacked without help from the law enforcement agents, the governor has done little or nothing to visit the communities, send a representative or settle the hospital bills of the victims. As at the time of writing this letter, no arrest has been made from that ugly incident, despite the strict security surveillance.

Following are some of the effects and losses the unwarranted and unlawful act of the government has brought on the communities and citizens:

1. Schools have been forcefully closed, while exams is fast approaching

2. Market men and women have lost various perishable items

3. Final year students preparing for their WAEC/NECO have been deprived the opportunity to register

4. Farmers do not have access to harvest their products and to further prepare for the next planting season

5. Economic activities have been grounded as banks and other businesses are closed

Our traditional rulers have been threatened and queried on issues that have to do with the carelessness on the part of the governor to maintain peace in the state.

It is a well-known fact that despite the attacks, the way and manner the curfew was imposed on us raised doubt on the intent of the governor. Mr Speaker, just like we have stated; the curfew has been on for over two weeks now, and we view this as an outright abuse of power and brute force to oppress the people and achieve an intended agenda we are yet to uncover. Again, we have become highly suspicious of this move by the governor as an act of conspiracy, holding us captive and subjugating us, destroying our economic activities and scheming to further impoverish us. Apart from Samaru, where the unfortunate incident took place on 17th January 2017, no incident was recorded or has been recorded in any area of Zango Kataf LGA,

neither is there any reprisal or any intended civil unrest from the community to warrant the extension of the curfew till date. You can imagine the injustice meted on same communities that are victims of attack.

Mr Speaker, despite efforts by well-meaning individuals, groups and organisations to reach out to H.E, through government officials and security agencies, to lift the curfew in the interest of peace, stability, growth and development, he has continued to put on deaf ears and remain adamant to our cry. Instead, he has continued to extend the curfew to punish us who had been attacked, instead of dealing with the attackers and bringing them to book.

We, therefore, appeal to you and the honourable members as a matter of urgency, to compel the executive governor to release our people who have been held captive and kept under prison custody for no just cause: except that they had acted in self-defence, to safeguard lives and

property from the terrorist/Fulani Militia that have destroyed many lives and communities.

Honorable Speaker, sir, we therefore appeal to you to exercise your legislative powers within the ambit of the constitution to restore peace and order in the state and restrain the governor from outright abuse of power, as the people are groaning from this unjust policy against our peace-loving people, who have been working hard to preserve peace, despite frequent provocative attacks by the Fulani herdsmen who have been identified and paid by His Excellency, yet carrying out murderous attacks unabated.

Therefore, it is our hope that the house will take urgent steps to address the issues raised. As we await your quick response to this letter, we will continue to count on your support and believing that our request will be given due consideration.

Long live Zangon Kataf LGA!

Long live Kaduna State!!

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!

•Comrade ThankGod Emmanuel, Coordinator, and Comrade Habila Kayit, Deputy Coordinator, Zangon Kataf Youth Forum.

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