Southern Kaduna: Northern governors’ forum condemns attack

The Northern Governors Forum has reacted to killings in Southern Kaduna villages of Atyap in Zango Kataf Local Government Area where about 22 persons were maimed late Wednesday.

The unidentified gunmen that carried out the attack have not yet been arrested despite security presence in the troubled area.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong expressed concern at the unabated crisis leading to serial killings of citizens despite the effort of Kaduna State government and security agencies to restore peace.

According to the Governor, the Atyap attack is a demonstration of desperate attempt by criminal elements to not only cause pain and sorrow among innocent citizens, but also frustrate the efforts of the Kaduna State Government at fostering peace and harmony.

He condemned what he called cycle of violence and blood-letting, saying that the unarmed and helpless people have been at the receiving end.

“This is reprehensible and regrettable. While we call on the security agencies to rise up to the occasion and apprehend these criminals, we also encourage the citizens to assist with relevant intelligence that will lead to the arrest of these bloodthirsty people”.

Lalong pointed out that dialogues have been the way to solve grievances, no matter what, adding that people should always seek for official channels than resort to self-help which only exacerbates crises and instability.

The Forum while commiserating with the victims, pledged support for Kaduna State as it works with all stakeholders to bring the incessant crises to an end.