The governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufa’i, has condemned the killing of two herders by a mob in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, the governor said security agencies reported that the mob forcefully seized the two herders from security personnel on unsubstantiated claims that they were linked with banditry.

According to him, the mob then lynched and burnt the herders, even though they had not been found complicit in the allegations.

Mr El-Rufai expressed deep concern at the violent actions of the mob and strongly condemned the extra-judicial killings.

He reiterated the place of lawful methods as the only acceptable option in confronting any suspicion of criminality.

The governor appealed to the victims’ families to remain calm and directed security agencies to conduct thorough 

investigations towards fishing out the perpetrators.

Mr El-Rufai also directed the Ministry for Internal Security and Home Affairs to liaise with the military, police and SSS to contact the victims’ families for further engagements toward averting counter-attacks.

He cautioned against further self-help actions and warned against dangerous stereotyping, labelling and similar lawless dispositions capable of stirring up violence.

Meanwhile, the government has ordered a discreet investigation into some individuals and groups in the general area who unwittingly complicate the security situation with insensitive public commentaries.

“The government of Kaduna state is not against commentaries on security challenges.

“The government’s position remains that individuals and groups with useful information should liaise with security agencies, rather than expose citizens to extreme danger through supposed advocacy.” 

(NAN)