Kaduna State Government worries over escalating tensions in Atyap Chiefdom

The Kaduna State Government said it was concerned about the sequence of violent incidents, attacks and counter-attacks in Atyap Chiefdom of Zangon Kataf local government area in recent weeks.

In a statement signed by the State Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs,
Samuel Aruwan, the State Commissioner said it was very disturbing that groups opposed to peaceful coexistence were perpetuating violence against innocent citizens.

He said the violence had assumed very worrisome dimensions.

Aruwan assured the peace-loving people of the affected communities and the State at large of government’s commitment to law and order.

In furtherance of this, the government, he said, had directed security agencies to take drastic actions to forestall any recurrence of violence.

According to him: “Search-and-rescue operations by troops and police are in progress to protect lives and properties, rescue missing citizens and apprehend the perpetrators of violence.”

He further stated that it is clear that the vast majority of the citizens from all the ethnic groups in the area desired and were working for peace.

Read him: “These men and women have stood out as shining examples of resistance to the violent actions of few criminals and people of ill-will.”

Aruwan said the State Government commended their exemplary action and appealed to them to continue their sacrificial work, “until we collectively triumph over the forces of darkness.”

He said the government was also working with security agencies to ensure the thorough investigation of all incidents of violence in the area and perpetrators identified and prosecuted.

He said Governor Nasir el-Rufai had called on community leaders to de-escalate tensions and actively ramp up efforts for peaceful coexistence in the area, to enable the success of these processes without disruption.

Aruwan also said the State Government also appealed to men and women of goodwill to join this campaign, and dominate the area with the message of peace and togetherness.

He said: “The government remains open to collaboration towards this end; citizens may volunteer useful information on the Operations Room emergency lines 09034000060 and 08170189999.”