INSECURITY: NO SPECIAL TREATMENT FOR DAURA, SAYS PRESIDENCY

Arewa Youths Protest over Incessant Killings

Following the attacks on the state, Arewa Youths Federation yesterday held a peaceful protest over alleged incessant killings by bandits in the state.

The peaceful rally was held in Gusau the capital of Zamfara.

The President Arewa Youths Federation, Mr. Adamu Matazu, said the protest was to highlight the level of insecurity in Zamfara and the entire North-west zone, so as to elicit positive action to contain it.

Matazu said: “This breach is now extending from killings to targeted abductions that are intended to be high-profile; these crimes are also beginning to spill into neighbouring

states.

“In spite of the well intended steps so far taken by the federal government and implemented in part by the nation’s security and military services, the situation remained unabated.

“This has confirmed our earlier fears that the criminality is orchestrated by political elites and traditional rulers in some parts of the country.

“The crux of the matter is that these elites are operating illegal gold mines….knowing fully well that the practices violate local and federal laws.

“They are also aware that their activities which thankfully have been stopped by the federal government are detrimental to the state economically, environmentally, security-wise and socially.

“The Arewa Youths Federation hereby calls for

an end to killings in Zamfara and the whole of the North West Nigeria.”

APC Expresses Worry over Spate of Kidnapping, Banditry

Meanwhile, the ruling APC has described the cases of kidnappings, banditry and ethno-religious crisis in the country as a source of concern.

The party advised Nigerians to avoid divisive messages and actions.

In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Isa-Onilu, the party said President Muhammadu Buhari has given marching orders to relevant security services to deal with these security threats and bring back normalcy to the affected areas.

It said: "The cases of kidnappings, banditry, ethnoreligious and resource-fuelled crises and other violent crimes recorded in some parts of the country are undoubtedly serious sources of concern. While the President Buhari administration is adopting multifaceted approach to permanently tackle the conflicts and crimes, the president has equally given marching orders to relevant security services to deal with these security threats and bring back normalcy to the affected areas.

In the message marking the commencement of this year's Ramadan fasting, APC urged Muslims to use the holy month to pray for the peace, security and development of our dear country.”

According to APC, the President Buhari-led APC administration has laid a

solid foundation for national development, peace and progress.

The party said the result is apparent in the "strengthened economy, improved electioneering, refocused value system, waning corruption, social investments, massive infrastructure drive, better standing and influence in the comity of nations, in line with the promises contained in our Change Agenda for Nigerians".

It said: "We are set to consolidate on work done so far and do more as we gear up for the Next Level of our renewed mandate.

It said Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, improvement, sacrifice and increased devotion and worship.

In the statement, APC implored Muslims to follow and apply the teachings of

Islam in our relationship with our neighbours- Muslims and non-Muslims, adding that they should remember and cater for the less-privileged in our midst, stay humble and abstain from all bad deeds.

"It is our inalienable right as humans to safely go about our daily activities and to live in peaceful coexistence with our neighbours. Hence, in our places of worship, educational institutions, socio-political gatherings, markets, social media and all other public spaces, we must resist divisive agents and their equally divisive messages and actions.

"We must report to relevant authorities agents of destruction who disguise as ethnic or religious champions to achieve their diabolic, selfish and heinous agenda by exploiting our perceived differences," it said.