..40 rots with abductors
..Accused Govt of ignominy
By Gabriel Udeh, Kaduna
Penultimate last week, reports emanated from Birinin Gwari local government area of kaduna state revealed that people are been killed on daily basis in the area by armed bandits.
A statement issued by group under the aegis of Birinin Gwari Emirates Progressive Union (BEPU), titled: Alarming rise of armed banditry and kilings in Birinin Gwari general area”, revealed that the 2021 new year began in a sorrow and tears for the people of Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna state.
The release signed by BEPU chairman Barrister Salisu Haruna explained that “On Sunday, 3rd January 2021, armed bandits layed siege on innocent travellers at Zankoro, along dreaded Birnin-Gwari-Kaduna Highway, killing nine people ( including 3 infants) that are on their way for a ceremony at Doka, Birnin-Gwari Local Government.
“Similarly, the bandits come out on Monday 4th January 2021 at the same Zankoro at about 9.00 am, shooting sporadically and abducted unspecified number of people and wounded six others that are now receiving treatment at Buruku along Kaduna-Birnin-Gwari Highway.
“In the last two weeks, bandits terrorising the people of Birnin Gwari, especially those travelling along Birnin Gwari-Funtua and Birnin Gwari-Kaduna highways have become intensely aggressive as they continue to kill and abduct innocent citizens unabated”, it stated
It further stated that “With dismay, BEPU frowns at the seemingly laissez-faire attitude towards banditry in Birnin Gwari area by the governments at all levels.
“From December 20th , 2020 to January 4th, 2021, bandits have mercilessly terrorized the people of Birnin Gwari thereby kidnapping them at homes, farms and during travels.
“The bandits have ruthlessly been killing the people of Birnin Gwari and the Kaduna state government has evidently chosen to take off her eyes from our pathetic situation, at least by acknowledging cases of abductions and serial killings by the bandits as it does on other areas like Lere of recent.
“Hence, BEPU tersely calls on the Kaduna State Government to note that. There are cases of kidnappings and killings everyday along Birnin Gwari-Kaduna and Birnin Gwari-Funtua highways.
“There are more than 40 abductees currently at the mercy of the bandits who were kidnapped between 20th December 2020 and Monday 4th January 2021; some of them have been reported terribly ill.
“A total of Nine (9) innocent travellers were killed at Zankoro along Birnin Gwari-Kaduna highway on Sunday 3rd January 2021.
“A total of 11 people were kidnapped at Dan Kungi village on Sunday 3rd January 2021.
BEPU therefore calls on the government to deploy immediate response squad to mount offensive operations along Birnin Gwari Kaduna and Birnin Gwari Funtua highways.
We also urge the government to sit up to its responsibility and protect the lives and property of defenceless people of Birnin Gwari whose bloods are spilled daily by the bandits.
“We seriously urge the government to launch an offensive attack to neutralize bandits terrorising Birnin Gwari increasingly whose skills and warfare strategies are advanced every day”, it stated, adding that.. “Enough is enough.
Similarly, bandits allegedly killed two persons at Zankoro, Birnin Gwari Kaduna highway on Thursday 7th January 2021, according to BEPU.
“BEPU regrets to inform you that at least two persons were today Thursday killed by bandits along Birnin Gwari Kaduna highway. The attack took place at precisely Zankoro area of Unguwar Yako about 20kilometers to Kaduna town around 10am.
“The unfortunate attack came after 9 persons were killed at the same area last Sunday.
“Zankoro area is located at Birnin Gwari Kaduna highway, under Chikun Local Government area. Its precisely 100 kilometres from Birnin Gwari town, and 20 kilometers to Kaduna town.
“The area is increasingly becoming a daily death-zone, as bandits occupy the area and kidnap or kill travellers along the highway.
“BEPU calls on the Nigeria Military to station a permanent military checking point at the area. This we believe can help towards saving lives of innocent Nigerians who are made compulsorily to ply the road on daily basis”, it stated.
Contacted, the spokesman kaduna State police command, Muhammad jalige, could not responded until the time of compiling this report.
