2nd March, 2019
The Kaduna State Government said it would set up a judicial commission of inquiry into the recurring killings in Kajuru and Kachia Local Government Areas of the state.
Gov. Nasir El-Rufa’i made the statement on Saturday when he visited Maro, Karamai and Sakiya communities in the area where 40 persons were killed on Tuesday in alleged reprisal attacks.
According to the governor, the commission, to be chaired by a senior High Court Judge, will investigate the root causes of the crisis.
He said the committee would comprise security experts who would also look into the killings and investigate those behind it.
El-Rufa’i explained that the committee would further look at what could be done to address the issues, how many people were arrested and under investigation over the killings and their states, and why none had been convicted by the courts.
”I am here to sympathize and commiserate with you and to pray for the repose of the souls of the departed,” he added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor also visited the mass grave where 15 persons were buried in the area after the Tuesday attacks.
”It is very sad that people that have lived together side by side for hundreds of years have suddenly started killing each other,” he said.
According to him the circle of violence particularly in Kajuru and Kachia must stop.
“It is not in our culture, our religion to permit anybody to kill, all those who engage in these are not Godly people but godless people, they are neither Muslims nor Christians,” the governor stressed.
He therefore urged the residents to join hands and condemn the killings while calling on religious leaders to always preach peace.
”We must remember that this circle of violence will never end as long as we believe in revenge and reprisals.
”We have community leaders, we have law enforcement agencies that you should report everyone that has done wrong, you should not take laws into your hands.
“Because if you don’t do so, anyone can take laws into his hands and the circle of killings will never end.”
El-Rufa’i assured the communities that the government would continue to work towards ensuring peaceful coexistence and urged them to work with government and security agencies to restore lasting peace to the area.