In Kaduna, Uba Sani orders arrest of Ikara Mosque worshippers’ killers  – Blueprint Newspapers Limited

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state has directed security agencies to investigate and bring to book perpetrators of the attack on worshippers at a Mosque in Saya-Saya, Ikara that led to the killing of seven people, leaving two others injured. 

This is just as the governor has recruited 7,000 vigilantes into the Kaduna state Vigilance Service (KADVIS) to assist in securing the lives and properties of residents of the state. 

Terrorists had attacked the Mosque on Friday night during the late night Isha prayer shooting sporadically and killing seven worshippers, while two others sustained gunshot injuries. 

But Governor Sani in a statement on Sunday urged security agencies to hunt down the perpetrators of the dastard act and bring them to book. Uba described as wicked and barbaric the reported killing of innocent worshippers in a Mosque in Ikara local government by bandits. He therefore directed security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and go after the perpetrators.

The visibly angry Governor vowed to go to any length within the law to bring the Ikara bandits to book, adding that he will not rest on his oars until peace and stability is restored to every part of Kaduna state.

He has however sent a delegation led by the Overseer of the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan to condole the people of Saya-Saya Village, Ikara local government, where the incident occurred. The delegation will also carry out an assessment of the security and humanitarian situation in the area and advice government appropriately.

According to the statement, Governor Uba Sani said: “We understand the concerns and anxieties of the residents of Ikara, in particular and  Kaduna state, in general. Your safety and security are our top priorities, and we want to reassure you that we are working tirelessly to maintain peace and stability. We encourage the public to remain calm and vigilant during this period. We also call upon all residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and provide any relevant information that could assist in the ongoing investigation.”

Governor Sani, while addressing the training of 7,000 KADVIS recruits, from all the 23 LGAs of Kaduna state, said, “the commencement of this training is a major step towards fulfilling our promise to the people of Kaduna state. Since its establishment, KADVIS has been working with security agencies to degrade criminal elements. But we face the challenge of inadequate personnel to successfully wage the battle against bandits and other criminal elements. It is for this reason that our administration decided to recruit 7,000 personnel into the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVIS).

“The recruitment and screening of the trainees was the collaborative efforts of our local government chairmen, traditional and religious leaders, key stakeholders at the grassroots level, and security agencies. The screening was very thorough. We have here energetic young men and women of transparent honesty committed to securing our local communities. Kaduna Vigilance Service is a complementary security outfit. It will assist the security agencies with actionable intelligence. With its knowledge of the local environment, bandits will have no hiding place. 

“To the recruits, I charge you to show seriousness and commitment. Listen to your instructors and be disciplined. I am confident that you will all be found worthy of being enlisted in the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVIS). I must warn that when you are enlisted into the Service and you start carrying out your duties, you must desist from violating the rights of the citizens. KADVIS was set up to protect the people, not to violate their rights. We shall not hesitate to discipline any person that flouts the operational guidelines or code of conduct of the Service.”