The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has expressed sadness over the recent tragic incidents that have once again brought sorrow and grief to their communities in Northern Nigeria.
In a statement by the national coordinator Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi the CNG extended its heartfelt condolences to the peoples and governments of Borno and Zamfara states over the devastating loss of lives in two harrowing events.
“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,” he said.
He said 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,” he added.
He said this unfortunate incident stresses the urgent need for a comprehensive review of operational procedures to prevent further collateral damage in the fight against insecurity.
“The CNG 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.
“The CNG further, 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,” he said
The group 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.
“This must include sustained intelligence gathering, robust community engagement, and the deployment of modern technology to ensure precision in security operations. Security agencies must foster stronger partnerships with local communities and vigilante groups to enhance operational effectiveness and reduce the risk of misidentification,” he added.
The CNG reiterated its calls to the Federal and State Governments to prioritize the safety and well-being of their citizens by taking decisive action against all forms of insecurity and criminality.
The group 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 only guarantee squalor and deprivation to the Nigerian people.
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