…Urges “Swift Security Crackdown;” Says, “Enough of Bloodshed.”
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Hon. Usman Shehu Bawa, widely known as “ABG,” has condemned the killing of 30 residents of Naridon Village, in Kauru Local Government Area, describing the attack as massacre, a horrifying act of barbarity that demands urgent and decisive action from governments and security agencies.
In a statement issued on Monday, ABG said he was deeply devastated and outraged by the midnight attack, in which innocent men, women and children were reportedly slaughtered in their sleep, while homes were razed, livelihoods destroyed and several families displaced.
Speaking on behalf of himself, his family and the Peoples’ Democratic Party family in Kaduna State, the PDP governorship candidate described the killings as senseless and inhumane, insisting that there could never be any justification for the shedding of innocent blood.
According to him, the attack was not only against the people of Naridon but also an assault on the collective humanity of Nigerians and the constitutional right of every Kaduna resident to live in peace, security and dignity.
ABG lamented that the recurring attacks on communities across the state have continued to claim innocent lives, stressing that Kaduna could no longer continue to bury its citizens in silence, while criminal elements unleash terror on defenseless communities.
He called on the Federal Government, the Kaduna State Government and all security agencies to move beyond “expressions of sympathy” by taking immediate and concrete measures to end the cycle of violence.
The PDP candidate demanded the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to Kauru Local Government Area and other vulnerable communities, saying, a stronger security presence was necessary to prevent further attacks and restore public confidence.
He also urged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the massacre, launch an intensive manhunt for the perpetrators and ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others.
He further appealed for urgent humanitarian assistance for survivors, injured victims and families displaced by the attack, noting that many had lost loved ones, homes and their means of livelihood in the tragedy.
Beyond government intervention, he advocated the revival of community-based security structures, urging emirs, chiefs and village heads to strengthen local intelligence networks by ensuring that visitors to communities are properly identified and documented.
He explained that his proposal was not intended to encourage profiling but to restore accountability, trust and grassroots vigilance, adding that traditional institutions must be empowered, adequately resourced and fully integrated into efforts to safeguard rural communities.
The opposition governorship candidate stated that the persistent attacks on villages showed the urgent need to rebuild the relationship between communities, traditional institutions and security agencies, insisting that local leaders remain the first line of defence against criminal activities.
He extended his condolences to the bereaved families of Naridon, prayed for speedy recovery of those injured, and urged residents of Kauru and Southern Kaduna to remain calm, resist reprisals and continue to support lawful efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace.
Accordingly, he stressed that the tragedy must mark a turning-point, reminding government that protecting lives and property is a constitutional responsibility that must be discharged without delay, excuses or sentiment.