El-Rufai condemns the lynching of 2 herders in Kaduna
Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has condemned the killing of two shepherds by a mob in the state’s Birnin Gwari local government area.
A statement from the State Commissioner for Homeland Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said: “Security agencies reported that the crowd forcibly seized the two shepherds from the security personnel, on unsubstantiated allegations according to which they were linked to banditry.The mob then lynched and burned the shepherds, even though they had not been found complicit in the allegations.
“Governor El-Rufai expressed his deep concern over the violent actions of the mob and strongly condemned the extrajudicial executions. He reiterated the place of legal methods as the only acceptable option to deal with any suspicion of criminality.
“The governor called on the families of the victims to remain calm and ordered security agencies to conduct thorough investigations to find the perpetrators.
“The governor also directed the Department of Homeland Security and Home Affairs to liaise with the military, police, and DSS to contact the families of the victims for further engagements aimed at preventing counterattacks.
“The governor warned against further self-help actions and cautioned against dangerous stereotyping, labeling and similar anarchic provisions capable of stoking violence.
“He renewed calls for a consistent use of incorporated agencies.
“Investigations into the incident are ongoing. Similarly, the government has received reports from security agencies regarding the conduct of certain individuals and groups in the general area, who unwittingly complicate the security situation with insensitive public comments.
“The governor also directed the Department of Homeland Security and Home Affairs to liaise with the military, police, and DSS to contact the families of the victims for further engagements aimed at preventing counterattacks.
“The governor warned against further self-help actions and cautioned against dangerous stereotyping, labeling and similar anarchic provisions capable of stoking violence.
“He renewed calls for a consistent use of incorporated agencies.
“Investigations into the incident are ongoing. Similarly, the government has received reports from security agencies regarding the conduct of certain individuals and groups in the general area, who unwittingly complicate the security situation with insensitive public comments.
“Such actions have been deemed by security agencies as unnecessary in the ongoing operations against terrorists and bandits.
“While the Kaduna State Government is not against commenting on security issues, the position of the Government remains that individuals and groups with useful information should liaise with security agencies, rather than exposing citizens to extreme danger through supposed advocacy”.
