By Samuel Aruwan
Kaduna
President of Civil Rights Congress (CRC), Comrade Shehu Sani, at the weekend warned the federal government against breeding second insurgency.
Sani, who was reacting to the killing of over 30 Shiites in Kaduna on Friday, said the killings were barbaric and inhuman.
He said: “The unprovoked attack and killing of the members of the Islamic movement by the soldiers stands unreservedly condemned. The killings are cruel, inhuman, barbaric and a dangerous act with wider security implications for the peace and stability of our country. It’s most unfortunate and sad that our security forces have not learnt their lessons on the grievous implications of cold-blood killings of religious leaders or their faithful. While the nation is still battling with the insurgency in the North-east, which was triggered by the extra-judicial killing of Mohammed Yusuf in 2009,a new front is deliberately and mischievously ignited by the Nigerian soldiers.
“The tragic incidence in Zaria is a clear testimony that our security forces are part of the problem. The unprovoked attack and killing of the members of the movement is a reprehensible and abominable act capable of triggering a wider bloodletting and endless conflict. The impunity and brigandage by our security forces undermines the peace and stability of our country and by extension the authority and credibility of the government.”
Continuing, he said: “Security forces established, recognised and funded by constitutional guarantees must operate within the ambit of the laws and democratic tenets. It’s apt to state here categorically that Nigerians live in the fear of both the insurgents and the military. Security institutions must conform to and respect the fundamental rights of Nigerians as guaranteed by our constitution. The federal government must investigate the killings of the members of the Islamic movement and bring to book all those who perpetrated thisdespicable and callous act.”
