Tinubu talks tough on Kaduna killing, orders manhunt for perpetrators

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has condemned in the strongest terms the attack that claimed the lives of about 30 residents, including women and children, in Naridon Village, Kamaru Ward, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and directed security agencies to intensify operations to apprehend the perpetrators and restore peace to the area.

A statement issued by the State House and signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the attack occurred in the early hours of Monday. The assault also left several homes burnt, while a number of residents were reportedly abducted.

Describing the incident as “a barbaric and cowardly attack on innocent citizens,” Tinubu said it was “an unprovoked act of terror against defenceless people.” He warned that those seeking to undermine the recent peace and security gains recorded in Kaduna State “will not go unpunished.”

The President extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, Governor Uba Sani, the Kaduna State Government and the people of the state, assuring them that the Federal Government stands firmly with them during this difficult period.

“I have directed the Armed Forces, the Police and relevant intelligence agencies to intensify operations across the affected areas to track down the perpetrators swiftly, secure the release of abducted individuals and restore normalcy to the region,” the President said.

“Our administration has an unwavering commitment to strengthening security infrastructure, equipping response personnel and neutralising criminal networks attempting to disrupt the peace of the nation,” he added.

Tinubu also urged residents of affected communities to support security agencies by providing credible and actionable intelligence to aid timely response and prevent further attacks.

“I urge our local communities to cooperate with security forces by providing actionable intelligence that would help early response efforts,” the statement quoted him as saying.