Southern Kaduna caucus in the House of Representatives on Wednesday asked the Federal Government to take immediate steps to deal with militias carrying out premeditated killings across the country as well as their sponsors.
Addressing correspondents on the continued killings in Southern Kaduna, the lawmakers said until the government identify and bring to justice sponsors of the militia groups, which they said have been placed on standby to continue to create havoc in communities, the people may resort to self- help.
Spokesman of the caucus and Minority Whip of the House, Gideon Gwani said government and other stakeholders must do more to stop the killings in Southern Kaduna.
He stated security operatives in the area appeared to be overwhelmed and have not been able to stop the killings.
He identified herdsmen and farmer clashes, forceful land grabbing by non-natives of southern Kaduna, reprisal attacks, banditry and criminality as some of the major causes of the killings and hostilities in Southern Kaduna.
He said: “As representatives of the people of Southern Kaduna, we state unequivocally that the life of every citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, regardless of ethnic, religious or ideological differences must be protected as required under Section 14(2)(b) CFRN 1999(as amended).
“We condemn the armed attacks and killings of the people of Southern Kaduna by the armed militia groups or any group whatsoever no matter their motive and we condemn the justification of any attacks on our people or any reprisal attack.
“The People of Southern Kaduna should be vigilant and law abiding and avoid taking laws into their hands, regardless of any provocation.
“They should cooperate with law enforcement officers and report these miscreants when necessary.
“We call for the arrest, investigation, prosecution and conviction where necessary of these attackers so that they can desist from unleashing mayhem on the people of Southern Kaduna.”
Other lawmakers present at the briefing are: Shehu Nicholas Garba (Jema’a/Sanga); Mukhtar Chawai Zakari (Kauru); Garba Salah Zock (Kachia/Kagarko) and Akos Gwamna Magaji (Zango Kataf/Jaba).
