Kaduna killings: A shame and stain on us all

I am always saddened anywhere I am when I hear of violence of any kind, more so when it leads to death and destruction. As an indigene of Kaduna, Zaria City to be precise, I’ve been raised to see all Nigerians as my brethren. Which is why I’m always shocked when deadly violence breaks out […]

I am always saddened anywhere I am when I hear of violence of any kind, more so when it leads to death and destruction. As an indigene of Kaduna, Zaria City to be precise, I’ve been raised to see all Nigerians as my brethren. Which is why I’m always shocked when deadly violence breaks out in my beloved state. This time, it’s the gruesome killings in Southern Kaduna and the puzzle it seems to be constituting at the moment.

What I really want to know – and I suspect many others too – is who are the murderers? Why are they doing it? Why haven’t they been apprehended and exposed? These are but a few questions regarding the worrisome, tragic and incredibly annoying situation. The stories everywhere is that the killers are Fulani herders, so why can’t they be identified through their community leaders if that is the case?

Also, I’ve seen many cases where the governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai is blamed for it, or for not doing anything. I’m the first to admit I’m not sure about the facts here, but the problem of stealth killings and even major attacks in Southern Kaduna did not begin when he was governor. It’s been going on for a while. I sense there are some political forces behind the spinning of the situation to make the governor lose points politically. Anyone who plays politics with the lives of innocents is evil beyond words, and the Almighty will not let him go free.

What I would like to recommend to the Kaduna State government is beefed-up security in the areas affected, and constant contact and dialogue with leaders of affected communities. This means both the government and security agencies will be on top of things information-wise, and that will go a long way in helping quell these callous, murderous attacks.

I’m also curious: Isn’t Kaduna the same state which boasts of ‘Operation Yaki’? That’s the joint security force comprising of army, air force, police, and civil defence personnel. When ex-governor Ahmad Makarfi set it up many years ago, he was lauded and deservedly so. Maybe whoever is in charge now should harness that for the safety of Kaduna’s citizens.

My dear state was one with great potentials, in all sectors like tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, education and much more. But today, it is practically a punch-line whenever a joke is being told. That makes me deeply sad, even if a lot of what is said is indeed true. Without security, all that potential will crumble to dust. These killings are a shame on all of us, and a stain to what we are and all that we could be someday.

We owe an explanation, and justice, to the families of the slain and we owe it to the rest of the populace that things return to normal so that those who have lost loved ones can begin the process of forgiveness, and carrying on with what is left of their lives.

Mai-Ungwa wrote in from Zaria City, Kaduna State.