The killing of two herders by a mob in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State has been strongly condemned by Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Security agencies reported that the mob forcefully seized the two herders from security personnel, accusing them of being linked with banditry. The herders were then lynched and burnt by the mob, despite not being found complicit of the allegations, as stated in a release by the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan.
Governor El-Rufai expressed deep concern at the violent actions of the mob and strongly condemned the extra-judicial killings, emphasizing the place of lawful methods as the only acceptable option in confronting suspicions of criminality.
He appealed to the families of the victims to remain calm and directed security agencies to conduct thorough investigations to identify the perpetrators. The Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs was also directed to collaborate with the military, police, and DSS in engaging with the victims’ families to prevent counter-attacks.
The governor cautioned against further self-help actions and warned against dangerous stereotyping, labeling, and similar lawless behaviors capable of inciting violence, while renewing appeals for consistent recourse to constituted agencies.
Progress is being made in the investigations, but the government has received reports from security agencies regarding certain individuals and groups whose insensitive public commentaries inadvertently complicate the security situation in the general area. Such actions are considered unhelpful in the ongoing operations against terrorists and bandits.
While the government of Kaduna State supports commentaries on security challenges, it emphasizes that individuals and groups with helpful information should liaise with security agencies instead of exposing citizens to extreme danger through supposed advocacy.