Group warns on costs of Kaduna killings, blames FG

By OLUSEYI TAIWO OGUNTUASE

Alliance for Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond, (ASCAB) on Sunday warned that the killings in Kaduna has the potential of leading to a round of national crisis that may threaten the fabric of democracy in the country.

The coalition of labour and over 80 civil society groups also blamed the Federal Government for the mayhem; adding that the central authority has the constitutional responsibility to ensure the protection of lives and properties everywhere in the country.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Femi Falana, (SAN) It said the mayhem in Kaduna only reflects the community version of the growing culture of brigandage within the political class.

According to him, last Friday scores of people were killed in Southern Kaduna by armed groups. Katsina, Zamfara and many States on North Central have seen a string of blood letting in recent months.

On Sunday, the killings in Southern Kaduna continued. At 6am Fanstwam natives of Zipkak, a semi-urban town in Fanstwam Chiefdom, Jemaa LGA in Southern Kaduna, fled their homes when armed groups invaded their communities again.

The killings did not abate in spite of curfew impose in the area by the State Government to curb revenge killings among the multi-ethnic Southern Kaduna territories.

The latest incidence took place in Zikpak, some two kilometres away from Kafanchan where a large consignment of soldiers are camped.

ASCAB said it is undoubtedly clear that the Federal Government has shown lack of capacity to deal with the sad events.

Falana said the Federal Government appears to be running out of ideas in bringing an end to violence and armed brigandage constantly recorded in Kaduna and other affected states.

“The violence in the North East has spread to the North Central and the North West and if unchecked, it might threaten peace and co-existence across the country and set the nation on the path of ruins.

“Corruption, politics of exclusion, growing unemployment and lack of creativity continue to fuel public resentment across the country backed by an increasing breakdown of public trust in those holding public officers. The situation has been compounded by weak institutions and inept leadership both at the state and national levels” ASCAB said.

Speaking further he said the lack of opportunities, poverty and the imposition of tough economic measures on Nigerians are partly responsible for prejudices, hate and expression of violence found in many communities in Nigeria. (Sunday Independent)