FORMER military president, General Ibrahim Babangida has called
on the Federal Government to take the weekend attack on the Emir of Kano by a
gang of gunmen as a wake-up call on the need to beef up security across the
country. He also called on the government of President Goodluck Jonathan to
dialogue with those behind the spate of terrorist attacks in the country.
on the Federal Government to take the weekend attack on the Emir of Kano by a
gang of gunmen as a wake-up call on the need to beef up security across the
country. He also called on the government of President Goodluck Jonathan to
dialogue with those behind the spate of terrorist attacks in the country.
Babangida said the attempt on the life of the emir by gunmen was
frightening, while indicating that Nigeria was already undergoing serious
security threats on a regular and unbroken basis.
frightening, while indicating that Nigeria was already undergoing serious
security threats on a regular and unbroken basis.
In a press statement signed on his behalf by Kaseem Afegbua, his
media aide, Babangida said: “The reported cases of terrorist attacks are
becoming frightening and seriously call for security alert by all and sundry.
Despite spirited efforts by government, it is disturbing that this ugly trend
has refused to depart from us, reason why government must change tactics and
methods in handling this security challenge.
media aide, Babangida said: “The reported cases of terrorist attacks are
becoming frightening and seriously call for security alert by all and sundry.
Despite spirited efforts by government, it is disturbing that this ugly trend
has refused to depart from us, reason why government must change tactics and
methods in handling this security challenge.
“The attack on the emir of Kano which reportedly left four
people dead is a wake-up call to all of us. What could be the motive? What does
anyone stand to gain by attempting to kill an emir that is nearing 80? The Emir
of Kano stands out as one traditional ruler who does not seek favours from
those in government and outside it, and who over the years has been able to
live an exemplary life to the admiration of all.
people dead is a wake-up call to all of us. What could be the motive? What does
anyone stand to gain by attempting to kill an emir that is nearing 80? The Emir
of Kano stands out as one traditional ruler who does not seek favours from
those in government and outside it, and who over the years has been able to
live an exemplary life to the admiration of all.
“His record of achievements, the stability and candour he has
brought to bear on the throne, are virtues that will live for posterity. May
Allah continue to grant him good health for today and the future.”
brought to bear on the throne, are virtues that will live for posterity. May
Allah continue to grant him good health for today and the future.”
Babangida, however, advised the government of President Jonathan
to start exploiting the option of dialogue with members of the insurgent groups
in order to arrest what he described as the prevailing drift in Nigeria’s
national security.
to start exploiting the option of dialogue with members of the insurgent groups
in order to arrest what he described as the prevailing drift in Nigeria’s
national security.
He said the use of force by the security agencies has proved to
be inadequate and ineffective to checkmate the ugly trend, adding, “we must put
hands together to ensure the means of ending the acts of terrorism in Nigeria.”
be inadequate and ineffective to checkmate the ugly trend, adding, “we must put
hands together to ensure the means of ending the acts of terrorism in Nigeria.”
Babangida added: “Dialogue is my number one preference in this
regard. Government must also encourage positive discourses among its political
appointees delivered with respect and rendered in temperate language to soothe
the mood of the nation. Language of force will not help us in our strong
determination to address this insecurity problem.”
regard. Government must also encourage positive discourses among its political
appointees delivered with respect and rendered in temperate language to soothe
the mood of the nation. Language of force will not help us in our strong
determination to address this insecurity problem.”
Meanwhile, on Sunday, Christians in Kano abandoned worship
services and refused to turn up at various churches for worship, just as many
churches observed remembrance services for those who lost their lives during
last January 20, 2012 attack.
services and refused to turn up at various churches for worship, just as many
churches observed remembrance services for those who lost their lives during
last January 20, 2012 attack.
It is recalled that gunmen raided Kano in a coordinated attack,
burnt various police stations and killed over 200 people last January.
burnt various police stations and killed over 200 people last January.
In view of the fear of an alleged rumour doing the rounds,
coupled with fear created by the attack on the Emir of Kano, many Christians
decided to stay away from attending church services.
coupled with fear created by the attack on the Emir of Kano, many Christians
decided to stay away from attending church services.
Fierce-looking security operatives were seen checking motor
vehicles.
vehicles.
Few people that attended Sunday service were prevented from
parking their vehicles inside church compounds.
parking their vehicles inside church compounds.
Christian worshippers interviewed by Nigerian Tribune confirmed
that they were afraid of the current situation.
that they were afraid of the current situation.
Source: Tribune
