From Desmond Mgboh Kano
The 16th Emir of Kano, Kano State, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has cautioned youths against attacking innocent members of the non-indigenous community in the state following the killings of 16 Kano bound Hausa travelers in Uromi, Edo State.
He spoke yesterday, after leading the Eid-el-fitr prayer at the Kofar Mata Eid ground in the state.
“We got information Saturday evening that youths in some areas are planning to launch reprisal attacks on non-indigenes after the Eid prayers. We are instructing them not to carry out such attacks.
“We appeal to them not to take laws into their hands. They should avoid a breakdown of law and order. We call on all traditional leaders to be vigilant.
“Similarly, we appeal to the relevant authorities to ensure justice for the victims. They should investigate and prosecute persons behind the barbaric act.”
Sanusi also called on Muslim faithful to sustain the lessons learned from the Ramadan fasting and not return to sins or wrongdoings..
The Kano State Government has dispatched a high-powered delegation to engage with the Edo Government and the Hausa community in the over the recent brutal killings of Kano indigenes in Edo.
Governor Abba Yusuf, in a live broadcast, condemned the barbaric act and assured the people of Kano that his administration would relentlessly pursue justice for the victims.
The delegation, scheduled to depart Sunday, would work to ensure that justice is served and those responsible are held accountable.
Yusuf also confirmed that all affected individuals would receive full compensation. According to him, Edo Governor has assured him that most of the suspected culprits have been apprehended, with investigations ongoing.
He urged residents to remain law-abiding and refrain from any acts of retaliation, emphasising Kano’s reputation as one of the most peaceful states in the country. Expressing deep condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Kano state, Yusuf described the incident as a “tragic and sad moment.”
A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said that on arrival in Edo State,the delegation would also meet with the leadership of Hausa community in the state to discuss the issue and offer suggestions
“The affected individuals, who were on a legitimate adventure traveling from Port Harcourt en route to Uromi, in Edo State, deserve justice, and the Kano State Government is committed to ensuring that their rights are protected” the statement held.
“The Kano State Government urges all citizens to remain calm and avoid any actions that would escalate tensions. It reassures the public that all necessary diplomatic and legal measures are being deployed to address the situation.
“The government is also in close communication with Edo State Government officials and the security agencies, towards ensuring justice to the affected families.
“Furthermore, the Kano State Government expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and prays for the peaceful repose of the departed souls. The government remains steadfast in its commitment to the protection of its people and would continue to work closely with relevant authorities to ensure that justice prevails.
Meanwhile, Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, has called on the government to ensure that all those found guilty of the killing of the hunters are brought to justice.
The Emir made this appeal in his Eid message while also expressing his condolences and sympathies over the tragic loss of the Kano State natives .
Bayero, prayed for God’s mercy upon the deceased, asking for their forgiveness and acceptance in the hereafter.
The Emir o urged the government at all levels to introduce measures to ease the hardships that citizens are currently facing.
On his own, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has condemned in strong terms the unfortunate killing of hunters.
The condemnation is contained in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig -Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Sunday in Abuja.
He said the incident could have been avoided if the appropriate authorities were notified and involved in ascertaining the identity of the victims.
The CDS condoled with President Bola Tinubu, and the families of those who lost their lives
He also urged Nigerians not to take laws into their hands but always revert to constitutated authorities in matters that affect security.
According to him, the Nigeria police, military, and other security agencies are well trained to handle such matters.
The defence chief assured Nigerians that the military would work closely with the police and other relavant security agencies to bring the perpetrators of the dastardly act to book.
He warned that all local hunters and vigilante groups should register with the police, DSS, military and any other agencies mandated by law to regulate the possession of fire arms.
He called on vigilante groups to always revert to police for appropriate action.
He also called for calm and seek for citizens support to the AFN and other security agencies to continue to perform their constitutional duties with diligence.