By Gloria Ikibah
The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has strongly condemned the recent killings of about 16 Nigerians, mainly northerners, by an armed group in Edo State.
In a statement signed by Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, Minority Whip, Rep. Ali Isa JC, Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Aliyu Madaki, and other leaders of the caucus on Saturday, the caucus described the attack as “barbaric” and “reprehensible,” warning that if such violence is not curbed, it could threaten national peace and unity.
“We find such brutal killings of innocent Nigerians in any part of the country by lawless mobs very reprehensible, and if allowed to fester without being put in check by responsible organs of the federal government, such actions could threaten the peace and unity of the country,” the statement read.
The lawmakers urged Nigerians to avoid taking the law into their own hands and instead seek the intervention of law enforcement agencies when faced with security concerns.
The Minority Caucus called for swift action, and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
“We implore all Nigerians to never resort to such jungle attacks on their fellow citizens but to always implore the services of lawful authorities whenever they notice any issue of concern.
“In the face of this grave incident, which is already setting emotions on edge in parts of the country, we hereby call on the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to direct the security agencies to investigate this matter and bring all those involved in the killings to book in order to prevent its recurrence. And also adequate compensation should be paid to the affected families,” they demanded.
The caucus also appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and allow the government to handle the matter.
“We also call on all Nigerians to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding and allow the federal and state governments to get to the root of this matter in the interest of justice,” the caucus stated.
The lawmakers extended their condolences to the families of the victims, and assured Nigerians of their commitment to ensuring justice is served.
“We express our sincere sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims even as we assure them and all Nigerians that we, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives, will remain eternally vigilant until justice is done on this matter,” the statement continued.