The Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i has condemned in strong words, the strongest terms the killing of two herders by a mob in Birnin Gwari local government area of the state.
In a statement on Sunday, the commissioner for internal security and home affairs, Samuel Aruwan, asserted that the security agencies reported that the mob forcefully seized the two herders from security personnel, on unsubstantiated claims that they were linked with banditry.
The statement noted that the mob then lynched and burnt the herders, even though they had not been found complicit in the allegations.
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El-Rufai expressed deep concern at the violent actions of the mob, and strongly condemned the extra-judicial killings.
He reiterated the place of lawful methods as the only acceptable option in confronting any suspicions of criminality.
The governor appealed to the families of the victims to remain calm, and directed security agencies to conduct thorough investigations towards fishing out the perpetrators.
El-Rufai also directed the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs to liaise with the military, police and DSS to contact the victims’ families for further engagements toward averting counter-attacks.
The governor cautioned against further self-help, and warned against dangerous stereotyping, labeling, and similar lawless dispositions capable of stirring up violence.
El Rufai had a few weeks ago reechoed his administration’s stance not to negotiate with bandits, noting that his job as governor is to enforce the law and help to prosecute people who commit offenses no matter how highly placed they are.
El Rufai restated this commitment during an expanded meeting of the State Security Council which held at the Council Chambers of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Tuesday.
In addition to regular members from the state government, security agencies, and traditional rulers, the meeting featured religious leaders and invited guests from professional associations, trade unions, and civil society groups.
