It is true that any injustice done and not addressed may come back to haunt the next generation. This is true in the context of Southern Kaduna killings by men of the under world. Obviously, we live in a country where justice is not seen to be done and where the protection of lives and property is just a mere statement of the mouth but not in action. If it were not so, hundreds of innocent men, women and children wouldn’t have been massacred by herdsmen in a well orchestrated manner in recent history. The bloodshed in southern Kaduna is one tragedy too many. People are killed with impunity, properties are destroyed recklessly and humanitarian crisis is brewing beyond control. The situation is desperate to say the least. This is the greatest tragedy of a people who over the years, lived in peace with their neighbours (Fulani Herdsmen), but for some disagreements which could have been settled amicably, hell was let loose and anarchy became the order of the day. Burying people in mass graves with tears rolling down the cheeks of the survivors would obviously shatter the emotional stability of sane minds. Jema’a and Sanga Local Government Areas of Kaduna state have been consumed by this terrible crisis but that does not mean the situation is entirely hopeless. The obvious fact is that these killings have continued unabated from time immemorial. The attackers come in the night with sophisticated weapons to unleash this gruesome act of terror on a people who are ideally hoped to be adequately protected by the government. It’s unfortunate.
FLAWED SECURITY SYSTEM
This act of terror by herdsmen is done across the country especially in rural communities where the people are largely helpless and defenceless. It was the major happening quite recently in states like Plateau, Benue-Way, Taraba, Enugu, Ekiti and a few others. As a solution to the menace, government introduced a grazing reserve policy where herdsmen and their cattles would be confined to a particular area rather than migrating from one point to the other causing troubles with farmers and rural dwellers. The policy was rebuffed by many Nigerians. According to them, it’s another prelude to anarchy. I write with a heavy heart and I condemn in the strongest terms the wanton killings and destruction going on in Southern Kaduna and other parts of the country. Tragically, there seems to be no solution in sight because the killings are happening everyday across the country in the night and in broad day light. This has compelled me to ask these rhetorical questions, does Nigeria have a functional government to curb this evil and check these violent crimes against humanity? Have we been able to make arrest and bring the perpetrators to justice? The truth is that, our security system is weak and frail. To a large extent, it has been politicised to satisfy some desperate politicians in high places. These politicians glorify the evil currently happening and benefit from the flawed system. But for how long shall this continue. The people are angry because the government is somewhat lackadaisical in bringing permanent solution. During the heat of the crisis in Southern Kaduna, the governor, Alh Nasir El-Rufai went to sympathise with the people but was violently attacked by the youths and half naked protesting women. To further show their anger, the youths, according to media reports also razed down the house of Jema’a Local Government chairman. This is sad. In developed societies, when a single life is lost as a result of criminal activities, government doesn’t rest on its oars in dealing decisively with the culprits. Unfortunately, here we are in a country where hundreds of thousands are killed like animals for ages and government hasn’t rooted out this evil and brought the culprits to justice. This has made many to engage in self defence because that confidence in the government has been lost. Quite sad!
THIS EVIL MUST STOP
Government must be alive to its responsibilities of protecting lives and property. This must be done with justice, honesty, faith and the utmost fear of God. Anything short of this is a failure on the part of government. Our people have suffered enough. Silence is no longer golden. We must raise our voices in total condemnation of what’s happening and proffer solutions accordingly. In solidarity, we stand and say this evil must stop. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Satmak DAPAR
Satmakdapar1@gmail.com
+2348030546215

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Southern Kaduna Killings And The Apparent Failure Of Security