The Keana Local Government Council in Nasarawa State has pledged to prosecute perpetrators responsible for the killing of an unspecified number of farmers in the area.
The council aims to use this action as a deterrent to other criminals in the locality.
Sanusi Abdul Giza, the Chairman of the council, made this commitment during an emergency meeting with security personnel, traditional rulers, and other critical stakeholders, including representatives of all the ethnic groups in Kadarko Chiefdom.
The meeting, held at the palace of Osokadarko, addressed the recent attacks on farmers in their fields.
Giza condemned the killings as unfortunate, unacceptable and intolerable, stating that his administration would spare no effort in ensuring the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
The LG boss stressed the importance of addressing the security challenges facing the area.
While sympathizing with the affected families, Giza cautioned residents against taking laws into their own hands and urged them to allow the government to handle the situation.
He stated the need for all ethnic groups in the area to live peacefully and to avoid being manipulated by troublemakers seeking to incite violence.
”All the ethnic groups in the area must live in peace with one another and shun mischief makers looking for opportunities to cause mayhem.
”The local government, along with security agencies, are working out modalities to fish out the bad elements in the locality, ” the council boss stated.
The Senior Special Assistant and SA to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Universal Basic Education and Political, James Ali Manza, and Ibrahim Bido also expressed concern over the incident, assuring that the state government would not tolerate any action that could lead to disunity in the state.
The paramount ruler of Kadarko, Osokadarko Mallam Usman Kakunu Dodo, in his remarks, debunked claims by a particular ethnic group alleging land grabbing.
He clarified that the land in question, which had been unused and had become a hideout for criminals, was allocated by his chiefdom and Keana LGA to farmers from different ethnic groups after due process.