By Sahelian Times
Angry youths have taken to the major streets of Kano, Bauchi, Zamfara and Sokoto states, protesting the widespread killings in the North-Western region. Some youths were reportedly sighted in Abuja, protesting the insecurity.
This is coming after 30 passengers were burnt to death when gunmen suspected to be bandits burnt a bus on a road linking the Sabon Birni Local Government Area and the village of Gidan Bawa in Sokoto State on Tuesday and 15 worshippers killed in Niger state on Thursday.
They called on the President Muhammadu Buhari and governors to show more interest in tackling insecurity.
Buhari, in his reaction as contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, on Wednesday, described the killing as evil.
He said: “I am very distressed at the manner of death visited on these hapless citizens who were undertaking a legitimate journey to another part of the country.
“It shows that the evil this administration is confronting requires the support and involvement of all Nigerians.
“I extend deep condolences to the families of the victims as I assure that the security agencies will continue to give their all to bring to an end the operations of these despicable people.”
However, the anger was further compounded by Buhari’s visit to Lagos on Thursday to inaugurate some projects and attend the launch of an autobiography of Bisi Akande, a former Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Although Nigeria is currently facing a high wave of insecurity, bandits and terrorists have stepped up attacks in the north despite efforts of the government to contain them.
Chanting songs of peace, the protesters called on President Muhammadu Buhari and governors to show more interest in tackling insecurity.
In Kano, the protesters were seen heading to the Government House, wielded a banner with the inscription, ‘No More Blood Shed’.
Zainab Naseer Ahmad, who led the peaceful movement, lamented how insecurity is threatening the lives and livelihood of Nigerians.
“We come to share our concern and send a message to our leaders; we are tired of the worsening state of insecurity in the country
“Every now and then, lives are lost, people are being unjustly killed like animals. We demand the return of peace in our societies.
“We are saying enough is enough, no more blood shed! Out-of-school children is witnessing a massive rise, orphans everywhere.
“We can’t travel in peace, economy is crumbling. People are burnt while travelling.”
The protesters marched from Audu Bako secretariat to Kano Government House, where security operatives received the group of protesters, listened to them and promised to take the matter further to the appropriate quarters.
