The Coalition of Northern Groups, (CNG), says it is deeply saddened by the recent incidents that have “once again brought sorrow and grief to our communities in Northern Nigeria”.
In a statement issued by the CNG’s spokesman, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, extended its condolences to the peoples and governments of Borno and Zamfara States over the loss of lives in two events.
Charanchi said in Borno State, the heinous killing of 40 farmers by suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Kukawa local government area, near Daban Leda, is yet another grim reminder of the persistent threat posed by extremist elements Boko Haram.
According to the CNG, “This senseless act of violence has deprived families of their loved ones, communities of their breadwinners and our nation of hardworking citizens, striving to sustain their livelihoods.
“Similarly, in Zamfara State, the accidental killing of 16 civilians during an airstrike at Tungar Kara, where members of a local vigilance group were mistakenly identified as fleeing bandits from Gidan-Makera in the Boko district of Zurmi local government area, is a tragic and regrettable occurrence.
“This unfortunate incident stresses the urgent need for a comprehensive review of operational procedures to prevent further collateral damage in the fight against insecurity”, it stated.
The CNG said: “We hereby stand in solidarity with the affected families and communities, sharing in their grief and praying for the repose of the souls of the departed. We urge the governments of Borno and Zamfara States to provide immediate support and succor to the families of the victims.
“In the case of the Zamfara airstrike, we call on the Federal Government to launch a thorough and transparent investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident. While the CNG calls for those found culpable for lapses to be held accountable, measures must be put in place to avoid a recurrence”.
The CNG also noted that the recent events highlight the urgent need for the Federal Government and security operatives to redouble efforts to eliminate the remnants of terrorist groups and bandits operating in Borno, Zamfara, and other affected States. It reiterated its calls to the Federal and State governments to prioritise the safety and well-being of their citizens, by taking decisive action against all forms of insecurity and criminality.
The Coalition contended that these existential threats from bandits and terrorists should preoccupy the Federal Government and ruffle some feathers until our people are protected from killers, rather than wasting enormous resources pursuing controversial tax reforms that’ll only guarantee squalour and deprivation to the Nigerian people.
“The CNG reminds President Bola Tinubu that the bucks stops with him as Nigerians are closely and carefully scrutinising his administration whose verdict would be certainly passed come 2027”, the statement added.
