KACRAN Condemns Bandits, Vigilante Brutality In Niger State, Commends Gov Bago’s Efforts

By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria, KACRAN, has viewed with deep concern, sadness and outright condemnation, the disturbing reports of renewed violence in parts of Niger State.

Khalid Muhammad Bello who is the National President of the association said in a statement that, “Our attention was drawn by credible media reports, including a BBC Hausa interview with a member of the National Assembly, and disturbing video clips circulating on social media depicting acts of brutality allegedly perpetrated by bandits and some vigilante groups.”

It is painful and unacceptable that both groups have taken the law into their own hands, engaging in the merciless killing of innocent citizens, arson and wanton destruction of property in the name of reprisals or self-defence.

“These criminal acts are not only unlawful but are inflicting deep and irreparable wounds on our communities, destroying the very future they claim to protect,” he said.

KACRAN notes with grave concern that these senseless attacks have rendered thousands of innocent people homeless in Niger State. Families have lost their livelihoods, farmlands have been abandoned, and the age-long peace and trust that once existed between neighbours is now under serious threat.

KACRAN therefore called on all parties involved to immediately sheathe their swords and embrace peace. Specifically: “To the Bandits, to desist forthwith, from banditry and all forms of criminality. Violence will neither bring development to you nor to your communities. It will only destroy lives and the sources of your livelihood. We urge you to lay down your arms, release any hostages unconditionally, live in peace with your host communities, and embrace dialogue.

“While we acknowledge the desire to protect communities, reprisal attacks and jungle justice, including the killing of innocent persons wrongly perceived as bandits or their families, are counter-productive and unlawful, Chasing your neighbours into forests where they may be recruited by criminal elements is a direct path to greater insecurity. We urge you to embrace peace, reconcile with your neighbours, and work with constituted authorities.

“We call on both bandits and vigilantes to restore the centuries-old confidence, trust and peaceful coexistence that existed between our forefathers.”

KACRAN further notes that Niger State is one of the most critical components of Nigeria’s food basket. Any breach of peace in Niger State will have direct consequences on national food security and general stability. Therefore, the violence must stop immediately.

KACRAN wishes to commend His Excellency,Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Executive Governor of Niger State, for his persistent, courageous and people-oriented efforts in restoring peace and driving agricultural transformation in the state.

We note and highly appreciate His Excellency’s sincere commitment to justice, fairness, and equal treatment of all citizens of Niger State. We also applaud his bold investments in agriculture, particularly in large-scale rice production, which are geared towards feeding not only Niger State but the entire nation.

In the interest of humanity and lasting peace, KACRAN passionately appeals to His Excellency, Governor Bago to:
Establish designated Internally Displaced Persons – IDP camps in safe and accessible areas to provide immediate succour to those displaced and currently taking refuge in bushes.

There’s also need for the governor to provide adequate support and relief materials to enable IDPs to return to their ancestral homes and restart their lives with dignity and hope for a peaceful future.

Finally, KACRAN calls on the Federal Government and other State Governors across the federation to emulate the exemplary leadership of Governor Bago by prioritizing peace building, massive agricultural production, and the treatment of all Nigerians with sympathy, justice, and fairness.