Politics
Weeks after, Buhari breaks ‘stubborn’ silence on Southern Kaduna killings
After weeks of criticisms by Nigerians over the grave silence President Muhammadu Buhari maintained on the killings of hundreds of southern Kaduna indigenes by suspected Fulani herdsmen, he has finally broken his silence.
The President’s reaction and condolences to the people of southern Kaduna, who reportedly lost over 800 to death, with several injured and numerous properties destroyed, was contained in a press statement that the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, made available to newsmen late Thursday evening.
The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari has, over the past week, given instructions for decisive measures aimed at bringing an end to the recurring acts of violence and destruction in the Southern part of Kaduna State.
“On the directive of President Buhari, the Inspector-General of Police was in the region on Saturday and Sunday to assess the situation at first hand. In addition to the conventional policemen deployed in the area, a squadron of mobile policemen has now been stationed there.
Read also: CAN feels Buhari’s silence confirms official endorsement of genocide in S’Kaduna
“The Nigerian army is also in the process of setting up two battalions in Southern Kaduna while the military continues to carry out air surveillance across flash points of the area. President Buhari has equally directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to carry out a joint assessment of the situation with the sister agency in Kaduna, SEMA, to determine the level of response required for urgent aid to the victims of the violence.
“These measures should soon ensure the return of normalcy to the region, while the Kaduna State government continues its peace building efforts. The President commended efforts of the State government and the security agencies in the steps taken so far to curtail the violence.
“President Buhari has, once again, sent condolences to the people of Southern Kaduna, who have lost loved ones in the recent violence.”
The presidency had received loads of bashing soon after one of his media aides, Femi Adesina, reportedly said that the President did not have to speak on every issue, and that his silence on the Kaduna killings was informed by his belief that governor Nasir el-Rufai was ‘on top of the situation.’
The situation in Southern Kaduna still remains largely tense with curfew in place to curtail further breaches to peace.
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Emmanuel Alayegbami
January 6, 2017 at 8:56 am
I know the highest he will do is to send his condolence message to the people who lost their lives and nothing more than that. He will never say he will punish his Fulani brothers.
Joy Madu
January 6, 2017 at 9:20 am
So you expect him to declare war on the Fulanis ? it is not possible . Buhari knows what is people are capable of doing if he should say anything against them.
seyi jelili
January 6, 2017 at 9:00 am
Sometimes I wonder what people want BUhari to do, whether he speaks on the issue or not, the deed had been done. sincerely , if he must always speak on what happen in all states, then why do we have state governors?
well at least he has spoken now and am sure we are satisfied now.
yanju omotodun
January 6, 2017 at 9:08 am
madam, a president is to speak on all matters especially the ones that involved havoc and lost of lives and properties. that shows he is concerned with the lives of all Nigerians. Even some foreign presidents do send condolence messages condemning such act talk more of the president of the nation himself.
chichi emerue
January 6, 2017 at 9:49 am
so if your grand mother dies now, you want Buhari to speak on it, you better park well and allow Buhari to focus on the state of the economy.
Margret Dickson
January 6, 2017 at 9:25 am
What do we want Buhari to say? We need him to act more and talk less, he’s working on bringing the attacks to an end, that’s enough, we don’t need him to start shouting in the media
Animashaun Ayodeji
January 6, 2017 at 9:32 am
When Buhari kept mum, everyone complained, now that he has spoken, most people want him to act more and keep quiet… Nigerians are obviously confused!
Roland Uchendu Pele
January 6, 2017 at 5:41 pm
Nigerians expect that their leader speaks when he ought to, and act when he shouldn’t be talking. I dont think that’s too mudh to ask.