Shehu Sani, senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, says herdsmen and bandits carrying out killings across several States of the federation are “nothing but terrorists”.
Sani expressed this opinion on Monday via his tweeter handle, in reaction to the killing of over 50 persons by unknown bandits in Birnin Gwari, a mining community in Kaduna State.
He said mass murder is now a daily ritual in Birnin Gwari and that the security agencies are not adequately equipped to tackle the menace.
“Herdsmen who commit massacre in Benue and Taraba and ‘Bandits’ who commit massacre in Zamfara and Birnin Gwari in Kaduna state ,are nothing but terrorists;except if we want to call a spade a pestle or a spoon,” Sani tweeted.
“Again and again, I will continue to raise the tragic situation of Birnin Gwari on the floor of the senate until it touches the conscience of those responsible for its security to prioritize human lives over 2019 politics.
“Mass Burial has become ‘a daily ritual’ in Birnin Gwari. We must admit the fact that the police and the army have nothing much to work with to enable them confront the danger and the superior fire power of the armed bandits.”
Also, the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed concern over the loss of lives in Birnin Gwari. “I’m heartbroken to learn that scores of precious lives have been massacred in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State,” he tweeted few hours ago.
Saturday’s attack came exactly one week after bandits attacked a mining site in the community, killing nine miners and injuring two others. Some of the bodies of the slain miners were set blaze.
Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, Muktar Aliyu, did not respond to ICIR’s request for comments.
But Nigerians have expressed disappointment on Twitter at the seeming inability of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to secure lives and properties of citizens in many parts of the country.
Here are some reactions on Twitter:
These killings around the country must stop. These people being killed are Nigerian citizens, many of them innocent children. We don’t seem to focus on it because we think it is happening “over there.” If scores of people were being killed in Abuja or Lagos every week…
— Dr. Joe Abah (@DrJoeAbah) May 7, 2018
Herdsmen who commit massacre in Benue and Taraba and ‘Bandits’ who commit massacre in Zamfara and Birnin Gwari in Kaduna state ,are nothing but terrorists;except if we want to call a spade a pestle or a spoon
— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) May 7, 2018
Attack in Birnin Gwari in Kaduna many killed. An attack in Benue too any killed. This is not acceptable. What is the Commander-In-Chief doing?
We really need to hit the streets and protest. We cant wait until we are dead to stand against injustice— Aisha Yesufu (@AishaYesufu) April 29, 2018
I dont know about you but i feel so responsible whenever someone dies in this country due to attacks & can't do anything to stop it. It's completely pointing to the failure of leadership. I shed tears for Nigerians in Birnin Gwari. Let's unite & bring a total end to this menace.
— Adamu Garba II (@adamugarba) May 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/dadiyata/status/993217133382422530
At least 40 people killed in Birnin Gwari in Kaduna state. But Kaduna Governor El Rufai is busy inciting violence against his senators.
Buhari is busy saying Herdsmen don’t carry weapons. APC is busy lying their way to 2019.
Will there even be a Nigeria then? Let us continue.. pic.twitter.com/XkB9CiLG9P
— Babasola Kuti (@SKSolaKuti) May 7, 2018
45 people confirmed dead in Gwaska Village, Birnin Gwari, Where are our security agencies? My country is under attack and the government is politicking with it. The number of lives lost lately is enough to send this clueless administration packing. @segalink @obyezeks
— Ejiro Okaka (@OkakaEjiro) May 7, 2018
Again and again, I will continue to raise the tragic situation of Birnin Gwari on the floor of the senate until it touches the conscience of those responsible for its security to prioritize human lives over 2019… https://t.co/NFLnKluEe8
— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) May 6, 2018
It worries me that there is no longer respect for the sanctity of life in our dear country. I’m heartbroken to learn that scores of precious lives have been massacred in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State. https://t.co/qXv6bug6ko
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) May 7, 2018