Gbegnu Boknu Yakwo Association, an umbrella body of Gbagyi (Gwari) worldwide, Niger State chapter, has expressed condolence to the federal government over the killing of some military personnel during the clash between the military and some villagers in the state.
This is coming on the heels of Nigerian Army’s renewed commitments to ensure protection of the territorial integrity of the country, notwithstanding the challenges.
The group in a statement by the state Chairman, Danjuma S Paiko, prayed for the repose of those who died in the unfortunate incident of 4th and 5th August and for God to grant their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“As fellow Nigerians, we are equally pained and are in grief over the loss of some soldiers. We stand unshakably in total solidarity with you in this period of mourning”, the chairman of the Gbagyi people stated.
Besides, the group has appealed to the Federal Government to intervene and save its kinsmen from further killings, arrest and detention by security operatives whose manhunt for the villagers is rather causing harm especially to the displaced women and children. Paiko argued that Gbagyi people were peace-loving but the activities of the Fulani herdsmen who are architects of the crisis need to be checked, adding that the villagers acted in self-defence to what they felt was an invasion of their village by the Fulanis and not in any way challenging constituted authorities.
“Gbagyi Association remains subordinate to the sovereignty of Nigeria and all its organs, including law enforcement agencies. We humbly request the military authorities to take heart and allow justice to be done as two wrongs cannot make a right”.
While not exempting the villagers of blame in the killing, the Gbegnu Boknu Yakwo Association said that the carnages could have been avoided if not for the fear created by the frequent attack by the Fulani herdsmen who have continually harassed and killed Gbagyi farmers. The group citing the several treaties, conventions and consensus documents signed, ratified and domesticated by Nigeria and status which enjoin treatment if human person with dignity regardless of circumstances. While pleading the military to release its kinsmen in their custody, Gbegnu Boknu Yakwo Association called for investigation into the remote and immediate cause (s) of the clash as it is ready to abide by recommendations of the investigations. Meanwhile, Nigerian Army said it remained committed to the protection of lives and properties of Nigerians anywhere and wherever they may find themselves, professional challenges notwithstanding.
Major-General Adeniyi Oyebade, GOC Commanding 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna stated this in Minna on Sunday during his one-day assessment visit to the troubled areas; Kpaidna, Legbe, Kopa, Lunku, Bambe and Dagma villages, all in Bosso Local Government Area of the state. Oyebade told the families of the soldiers to see their dead breadwinners as heroes who died trying to protect their fatherland, adding that Nigerian Army remained to fighting and protecting the territorial integrity of the country.
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