The Senate yesterday faulted the gruesome killings and incessant attacks on communities in Kaduna State, alleging that the heinous acts are being perpetrated due to government negligence and conspiracy by the elites. Specifically, the lawmakers accused the state governor, Nasir el-Rufai of complacency, even as they questioned the governor’s absence during the attacks, saying the governor fiddled like Nero while Rome was on fire.

The Senators said the recent attacks and killings in the state are indicative of religious and ethnic violence, which relevant leaders are not rising against it. The Senate said it is seriously disturbed that gruesome and mindless killings are being carried out in communities across the country, with relevant security agencies and particularly the executive arm of government, deliberately refusing to evolve proactive measures to contain it. Senate President Bukola Saraki who led the Senators to observe a minute silence in honour of the departed souls said it is high time the security problem in the land is contained.

The upper chamber noted that government is shielding those behind the dastardly act and that except the killers are fished out, the country will know no peace. The lawmakers said security agencies are not discharging effectively their responsibility of intelligence gathering, challenging them to act responsively.

The position of the Senators was sequel to a motion by Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi (Kaduna North) on the unfortunate, inhuman and unnecessary killings in Kaduna State. Leading the debate, Hunkuyi explained that the motion became imperative to inform Nigerians to note the senseless killings and general insecurity situation in the state. According to him, the recent attacks on Kasuwan Mageni community of Kaduna State witnessed scores of people killed and a paramount ruler abducted.

In his contribution, Senator Shehu Sani (PRP Kaduna Central) condemned the attacks and killings in its entirety, stating that the situation will persist unless the people embrace peace and tolerance. He said it is rightful time hate speech and divisibility are avoided to foster tranquility.

Also, Senator Danjuma La’ar (Kaduna South) said, “All the crisis in Kaduna state are caused by the governor (el-Rufai)”, just as he alleged that the elites know the killers but are only hiding from revealing them. Other lawmakers who spoke on the matter include Sam Egwu (Ebonyi North), Kabir Marafa (Zamfara Central) and Philip Gyunka (Nasarawa North).

They all condemned the killings and charged security agencies to arrest and prosecute the assailants. Consequently, the Senate resolved to immediately constitute a central committee to interface with the executive arm of government so as to evolve adequate security measures and end the killings. While calling on Kaduna State government and the federal government to quicken the process of releasing the abducted traditional ruler, Senate further urged NEMA to assist those in need, provide food and medicals to the affected persons.

The Red Chamber also directed security agencies to proffer solutions to permanently avert the killings, just as it called for the implementation of recommendations of the Senate on the national security summit.

•Excerpted from Leadership report

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