While speaking during a meeting with senior government officials, security chiefs, traditional rulers, religious, political and community leaders at the Musa Yar’Adua Sports Complex in Kaduna, President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, said his government will take “strongest measures” possible to punish perpetrators of the latest killings in the state.
The president who
paid a visit to the state earlier today, expressed sadness at the loss of lives and property in Kasuwan Magani and the unrest around Kaduna metropolis, and demanded an end to wanton killings.
According to PREMIUM Times, Buhari who reacted to the crisis which have seen more than 55 people killed in the last one week in ethno-religious violence, said; "If in the past, they got away scot-free, we shall now hold everyone to account for these latest killings."
"It is unacceptable that criminal elements can visit on citizens the wanton killings recorded in the Kasuwan Magani incident of 18th October 2018 and the unrest around Kaduna metropolis a few days later. This must stop," he said.
Buhari who has been criticised for his handling of recurring conflicts that have claimed thousands of lives across the country in the last three years, where perpetrators of such attacks are hardly punished amidst rising levels of violence.
Mr. President said that he will be firmer this time. "The Nigerian police are in the frontline of securing communities. For the judiciary, unless the investigations are credible and rapidly done, there is nothing they can do. From now on the Nigeria Police, you better watch it, I am going to watch you closely," he said.
The President also appealed to all who call Kaduna home to do their best to uphold peace in their respective communities, warning that chaos does not help.
"Violence shatters and divides people and stifles the prospect of any community that succumbs to its tragic logic.
"The Federal Government commends the efforts of the Kaduna State Government in responding to and managing the crisis. More Federal Security assets are being provided at the request of the Kaduna State Government to help uphold and keep the peace.
"The Federal Government will continue to work to ensure that more security assets are recruited and deployed across the country to protect all citizens going about their lawful business and to reinforce the authority of the government," he said.