Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari, Tuesday said his government will take “strongest measures” possible to punish perpetrators of the latest killings in Kaduna state.
During a visit to the state, Mr Buhari expressed sadness at the loss of lives and property in Kasuwan Magani and the unrest around Kaduna metropolis, demanding an end to wanton killings.
Reports say more than 55 people have been killed in the state in the last one week in ethno-religious violence.
Buhari said: “If in the past, they got away scot-free, we shall now hold everyone to account for these latest killings,”
He said this at a meeting with senior government officials, security chiefs, traditional rulers, religious, political and community leaders at the Musa Yar’Adua Sports Complex.
‘‘It is unacceptable that criminal elements can visit on citizens the wanton killings recorded in the Kasuwan Magani incident of 18th October 2018 and the unrest around Kaduna metropolis a few days later. This must stop,’’ he said.
Mr Buhari has been criticised for his handling of recurring conflicts that have claimed thousands of lives across the country in the last three years.
Perpetrators of such attacks are hardly punished amidst rising levels of violence.
On Tuesday, Mr. Buhari said he will be firmer.
‘‘The Nigerian police are in the frontline of securing communities. For the judiciary, unless the investigations are credible and rapidly done, there is nothing they can do. From now on the Nigeria Police, you better watch it, I am going to watch you closely,’’ he said.
He appealed to community leaders to be closer to their people and not to shield those who are planning to wreak havoc on the community from law enforcement agencies.
Commiserating with the government and people of Kaduna State, and families who lost loved ones in the attacks, the president paid tribute to the late Agom Adara, Maiwada Galadima, eulogising the traditional ruler of Adara chiefdom for serving his community and Kaduna state with dedication.
Mr Galadima was killed by kidnappers last Friday after they abducted him.