El-Rufai Condemns Protest Against Military In Southern Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Sunday condemned
weekend’s protest by some villagers against troops in Kamaru
Chawai, Chawai Chiefdom, Kauru Local Government.

The governor said the protest was unwarranted.

In a statement on Sunday by Internal Security and Home Affairs
Commissioner Samuel Aruwan, the governor said the protest was
triggered by an eyewitness’ account on an alleged killing of three
persons in the village on Friday night.

The statement reads: “The eye-witness informed troops that the
killers were strangers from outside the community, and spoke
English. On Saturday evening however, some angry locals harassed
the witness to change his earlier statement.

“In the process, some women attempted to burn their
accommodation. The troops were able to stop the attempt and
disperse the mob, although a patrol motorcycle and some personal
belongings were burnt, including foodstuff.

“The local chief, Malam Jume Umaru, 77, who tried to caution the
protesters against the violent action, was beaten to a pulp. He has
been taken into safe custody by the military.

“Also, the youth leader of the village and four others were
invited for questioning, as calm was eventually restored. The
Sector 7 Commander, Col. David Nwakonobi has moved to the location
and reached out to critical stakeholders.

“Governor Nasir el-Rufai on receiving the report, frowned at the
conduct of some locals, recalling two prior similar incidents. He
added that the protesters should have gone to the military
intelligence with any emerging information, without resorting to
violence.

“The governor added that troops and personnel are deployed to
protect citizens, with some paying the supreme price and others
incurring lifetime injuries. He thus reminded the citizenry to
accord them due appreciation and collaboration against
criminals.

“The governor commended the troops for being professional in
handling the situation which could easily have escalated.

“He has directed that the violent protesters who burnt
properties be fished out for appropriate action, and that the
latest submission be incorporated into the ongoing investigation of
the Friday killing.”

Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Sunday condemned
weekend’s protest by some villagers against troops in Kamaru
Chawai, Chawai Chiefdom, Kauru Local Government.

The governor said the protest was unwarranted.

In a statement on Sunday by Internal Security and Home Affairs
Commissioner Samuel Aruwan, the governor said the protest was
triggered by an eyewitness’ account on an alleged killing of three
persons in the village on Friday night.

The statement reads: “The eye-witness informed troops that the
killers were strangers from outside the community, and spoke
English. On Saturday evening however, some angry locals harassed
the witness to change his earlier statement.

“In the process, some women attempted to burn their
accommodation. The troops were able to stop the attempt and
disperse the mob, although a patrol motorcycle and some personal
belongings were burnt, including foodstuff.

“The local chief, Malam Jume Umaru, 77, who tried to caution the
protesters against the violent action, was beaten to a pulp. He has
been taken into safe custody by the military.

“Also, the youth leader of the village and four others were
invited for questioning, as calm was eventually restored. The
Sector 7 Commander, Col. David Nwakonobi has moved to the location
and reached out to critical stakeholders.

“Governor Nasir el-Rufai on receiving the report, frowned at the
conduct of some locals, recalling two prior similar incidents. He
added that the protesters should have gone to the military
intelligence with any emerging information, without resorting to
violence.

“The governor added that troops and personnel are deployed to
protect citizens, with some paying the supreme price and others
incurring lifetime injuries. He thus reminded the citizenry to
accord them due appreciation and collaboration against
criminals.

“The governor commended the troops for being professional in
handling the situation which could easily have escalated.

“He has directed that the violent protesters who burnt
properties be fished out for appropriate action, and that the
latest submission be incorporated into the ongoing investigation of
the Friday killing.”