Jema’a Emirate Council expresses dismay over SOKAPU’S reaction to attack on Emir
NAN-H-68
Emir
By Mohammed Tijjani
Kaduna, Jan. 20, 2017 [NAN] Jema’a Emirate Council in Kaduna State on Friday expressed dismay over the reaction of Southern Kaduna Peoples Union [SOKAPU] to Tuesday’s attack on the Emir of Jema’a, Alhaji Isa Muhammad.
Deputy Chief Imam of Jema’a, Alhaji Kabir Kassim said at a press conference in Kaduna that SOKAPU’s denial of the attack was unfortunate and an attempt to support acts of lawlessness.
Kassim said that the Emir and his entourage were attacked on Jan. 17, at Samaru Kataf and three vehicles on the entourage were destroyed.
He explained that the entourage had to detour to Kachia, pass through Kagarko and Jaba Local Government to Kafanchan after escaping the attack by armed youths in Samaru Kataf.
The council said that the denial by SOKAPU’s Assistant PRO, Reuben Buhari on the Hausa Service of the BBC that the attack did not occur was unfortunate and an effort to cover up.
“This begs for answer, because acts of lawlessness should not be given cover or any kind of support by any individual or groups especially a socio-cultural group like SOKAPU,” he said.
“We are concerned because on 12th November 2016, afters some communities in Sourthern Kaduna unveiled a symbolic peace apology billboard, in the same Samaru Kataf, the same SOKAPU kicked against it and started mobilising youth against the initiative.” Kassim added.
He recalled that Hausa-Fulani traders were later killed at Samaru Kataf market and the billboards destroyed.
“There was no single condemnation by SOKAPU. Up to this moment there is no single call or visit by the SOKAPU to His Highness, rather absolute denial.”
The council called on security agencies to investigate the matter to prevent future occurrence.
“Acts of lawlessness like these are capable of setting a dangerous trend that will affect peace building efforts being pursued by the government at all level,” he said.
He assured that the Emir would continue to support the course of peace and unity in southern Kaduna and across the country.
Meanwhile, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association [MACBAN] have dismissed a newspaper report which claimed that the association had vowed to retaliate attack on its members in southern Kaduna.
MACBAN Assistant National General Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, at a press conference in Kaduna on Friday described the publication as irresponsible.
It challenged the newspaper to provide evidence to support the report or face legal action.
The group said it had been part of the peace process in the state since 2011 and would continue to engage critical stakeholders, individuals and groups to ensure toatl reconcilliation in the state.[NAN]
TJ/MZA
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