Southern Kaduna: More troops deployed as state govt appeals for calm

Kaduna State government has assured that it will not allow negative elements to undo all the hard work done to restore peace and security in the state.

The state government said it was saddened by the latest developments which amount to serious threats to the lives and safety of peace-loving citizens especially in the Southern part, following fresh attacks in the communities that led to loss of lives and property.

Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the governor, Samuel Aruwan, while briefing newsmen said, “The state government has been working with security agencies to fortify the general area, to deter escalation and reassure citizens of their safety.

“Accordingly, the Commander of Operation Safe Haven, who has temporarily moved to Kafanchan to coordinate the operation, has confirmed that more assets are being deployed to the southern Kaduna area.

“The military authorities notified the Kaduna State Government of an attack at Ungwan Mailafiya community that occurred late last night. This follows an attack at Nimdem on the night of 23rd December 2017.

“Government commiserates with the victims and their families. All our communities are enjoined to stand together, and support the security agencies to thwart what looks like a predetermined plot to create anarchy around this period.

“This has clearly failed, and we enjoin all citizens to put hands together to deny the criminals any opportunity of succeeding in their evil plans.

“Citizens are encouraged to report any threat to peace, law and order within the Kaduna South Senatorial district to the officials of Operation Safe Haven, the special security task force in the area, on 08021212139, 08149000091, 08090498333 and 08074633336.

“The government notes the commendable efforts of community leaders in the wake of the Nimdem attacks, and urges continued engagements to prevent escalation.

“Community leaders, including the clergy, traditional leaders and other critical stakeholders like community based associations must continue to work together to ensure that peace is upheld.

“These efforts of the community leaders reflect a deep desire for peace, which needs to be sustained in order to collectively deter those who wish to spread hostility and divide our communities.

“The government is assured that the security agencies will continue to pursue the criminal elements who perpetrated this act and their sponsors.”

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