Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union (SOKAPU) has demanded the security agencies to arrest the lone gunman that attacked Nindem village of Godogodo District in Jemaa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The Commander, “Operation Safe Haven” in the area, Idong Ekpeyong, had on Saturday in Kafanchan said that the gunman opened fire on a group of people who were observing Christmas Carol at a village square.

He said that his troops responded to a distress call over the attack and apprehended a number of people in the locations.

Ekpeyong said the victims were conveyed to the Patrick Yakowa Hospital, Kafanchan for medical attention.

He said the Army and the Police were conducting an investigation into the incident.

But SOKAPU, in a statement signed by Yakubu Kuzamani, its National Public Relations Officer, on Sunday in Kaduna, called on security agencies to arrest the “terrorists”, reveal their identities and duly arraign them before the law.

SOKAPU also called on the government to visit the affected communities, the injured, the bereaved and to take care of the bills of the injured. The security agencies should not be satisfied with reactive but proactive measures, it demanded.

The statement commended the security efforts made so far in curtailing the killings, noting that “these are all avoidable incidents that could have been averted with a sincere, robust and determined will from those constitutionally empowered to protect and defend our hapless and law-abiding people.”

No fewer than four people were killed and eight others injured in an attack by a lone gunman at Nindem village of Godogodo District. According to Kuzamani, normalcy has been restored in the area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

The statement further said: “The Goska attack on the 24th of December, 2016 under the nose of the security agencies within a 24-hour curfew still resonates in its sheer avoidability and that of Nimdem evokes painful memory of the pains our people have had to bear.

“Our call for proactive measures is also coming against the backdrop of the wanton carnage that went on and is still going on in Chikun Local Government.

“This has lasted for months before security was decidedly moved into the area. Currently, 16 communities have been displaced as a result of increased killings from herdsmen, kidnappers, cattle rustlers and armed robbers and the people have not only been displaced but are now taking refuge in different villages around Kankomi, Udawa, Damba and Kasaya villages. Unfortunately, daily attacks and kidnappings still continue in several villages in that axis and the hinterlands.”

They urged the people of the area to remain security conscious as they celebrate this festive season and immediately report suspicious activities and individuals in whatever guise to the appropriate authority.

“SOKAPU urged all to continue to work for the peace of Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State and the country at large and keep strengthening the decade-old ideals of harmonious coexistence with everybody that we are known for.

“While further wishing the people of Kaduna State Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year, SOKAPU condoles with those that have been injured in the latest attack and prays for the peaceful repose of the souls of those that were killed,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command said it has deployed conventional and military police as well as undercover operatives to monitor vulnerable points with a view to ensuring the right security across the state during the Yuletide.

A statement by Mukhtar Aliyu, spokesperson of the Police state command, also reassured of its readiness to promptly respond to distress calls and decisively deal with any person or group of persons who might in any way attempt to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the state during the festive period.

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