Aggrieved women in Kafanchan, Kaduna State yesterday came out half naked to protest the incessant killings by suspected herdsmen in the Southern part of the state. The area have over the last six months, witnessed repeated attacks by suspected herdsmen. The women, mostly elderly, marched to the government house and demanded to see the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai. They were allowed in to have a meeting with him and as they left, they began to destroy some of the cars in his garage.
Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai’s entourage was attacked by angry protesters in Kafanchan, Jema’a local government area yesterday December 20th.
The Governor and his entourage were pelted with stones and some of the vehicles broken after addressing some demonstrators immediately after he chaired Kaduna State Security Council meeting in the area.
The official residence of the local government chairman, Dr.Bege Katuka was also burnt by the protesters.
The governor’s spokesman, Samuel Aruwan, in an official statement released today, quoted the governor as saying
“In the name of God, I am begging you. No one should take the law into his or her hand over what happened in Kafanchan. Although it is unfortunate, but we must rise above induced prejudice and hatred. We must defeat hate with patience, love and dedication to duty and not eye for an eye. It is also a burden of leadership and we will, by the special grace of God, overcome these forces of darkness who are dividing our citizens using religion, ethnicity and politics. I commend the high sense of professionalism exhibited by security personnel. I listened to three of the women who led the protesters as they asked me questions. I answered them and even invited them to a larger meeting, but they went on rampage and burnt the residence of the local government chairman. The government of Kaduna State and the Security Council sympathize with the chairman of Jema’a local government, Dr.Bege Katuka and his family over the unfortunate incident that led to the burning of their home. Our prayers and support go with them.”
The governor will update the people of the state on the steps being taken to improve security in the state in a state-wide live radio interview today Wednesday night, from 8pm to 10 pm.
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