Stop Killings, Northern Govs Tell Security Agencies

The Northern States Governors Forum yesterday expressed shock and sadness at the killing of seven policemen and a civilian in a raid on Gwaram town in Jigawa State on Wednesday, urging the insurgents to immediately stop the attacks.

Chairman of the forum and Governor of Niger State, Dr Babangida Aliyu, expressed the forum’s deepest condolences to the families of the victims as well as the police high command, saying no grievance could justify such a dastardly act against law enforcement agents.

In a statement by Aliyu’s Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo, the forum also condemned the killing of several farmers and destruction of property by suspected herdsmen in Wukari, Taraba State, describing it as one attack too many.

The statement called on security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators were caught and brought to justice to prevent a re-occurrence.

It explained that a situation where security personnel, on whose shoulders lie the responsibility of protecting lives and property, become easy targets for criminals, was unacceptable.

The statement lamented frequent attacks on the police and other security agents, saying the nation could not afford a situation where criminal elements would overwhelm state security apparatus.

The forum said Northern governors were working closely with the Federal Government in the nation’s fight against terrorism, and further assured citizens of their safety wherever they lived.

The governors prayed God to grant the souls of the deceased eternal rest and members of their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.