The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna state, Bishop Jacob Kwashi, has accused the Nigerian Army of bias in the handling of the incessant killings in the state. Speaking to journalists during the mass burial of 33 persons killed in Runji Village, the cleric lamented that the army often ransacks their communities to apprehend those responsible for killing cattle but fails to show the same zeal in apprehending those responsible for the massacre of residents. He called on the state and federal governments to take action to stop the killings.
According to an international non-governmental organization, Amnesty International, terrorists have killed over 100 people in Southern Kaduna between December 2022 and April 2023. The group said the Nigerian authorities must end the frequent deadly attacks on Southern Kaduna, as gunmen killed at least 38 people in December 2022, 25 people in March 2023, and no fewer than 47 people in April 2023. The latest attack occurred on Saturday night when gunmen suspected to be Fulani militia stormed the Sankwab community, killing at least 20 villagers and destroying several houses.
The frequent killings in Kaduna state have raised concerns about the state of security in the region, and the need for the government to take decisive action to protect the lives and property of citizens. Bishop Kwashi expressed disappointment that the government has failed to act despite being aware of what needs to be done to stop the killings.
The Bishop emphasized that his people will not run away from their land, even if they are killed, there will be people who will speak up, and the young will rise again. He, therefore, called on the government of Kaduna state and the Federal Republic of Nigeria to do the needful and put an end to the evil.
He reiterated that the Nigerian government must take urgent action to protect citizens from the incessant killings in Kaduna state, and bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice. The government must also look into the military which is bias in handling the killings and ensure that security personnel handle these issues with impartiality.