As bandits sustain their onslaught against helpless villagers and travellers across Kaduna State, the threat by Governor Nasir El’Rufai to engage mercenaries to flush them out has continued to attract reactions from Nigerians. While many believe that the statement is a reflection of Federal Government’s failure to secure Nigerians residing in the state, some Nigerians who spoke to Ijeoma UKAZU and Scholastica JOSEPH, maintain that peace is the most important thing, however it is achieved. Excerpts:
Joseph GBAGYOR: For me, that is unconstitutional, illegal and an unprofessional statement that should come from a leader or a public figure of such. It’s a clear indication that the state has failed. As such, the leader in charge has become helpless and has demonstrated incompetence to deal with that particular issue which is security.
Again, it’s a clear contravention of section 14 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which is a social contract between the government and the people. So, not being able to tackle security and resorting to mercenaries is quite appalling.
The government should rather declare a state of emergency on security in Kaduna state. The federal, state and local governments should deepen more collaboration to tackle insecurity in that state and all other places in the country. Government should take proactive steps on the issue of security.
RACHAEL ITYONZUGHUL: Where was he when it started? When it started, he was talking rubbish. So why is he bringing in mercenaries now that the world has seen that he was the one who orchestrated it. When it started, they thought it was for Christians and now, it is not only Christians that are suffering it, the Muslims are suffering as well.
So, if he feels that he knows how to stop it, let him stop it because he knows what is happening in his state. All we want is peace. We are tired of this. Nigerian government has failed in protecting citizens. Those who are governing have failed us.
OBINWANNE EMEKA: It is not a bad idea at all. If Governor El-Rufai of Kaduna State feels engaging mercenaries would help end banditry or terrorism in his state, he should go ahead. There has been too much bloodshed in Kaduna, especially in recent weeks and it is disheartening.
These terrorists have killed innocent people and rendered many homeless while some are in captivity. It is too much for people to bear and it seems the government is overwhelmed and clueless on how to end these attacks.
This current government came into power giving hope to Nigerians that in six months, terrorism would be a thing of the past, but what have we seen in the last seven years? These terrorists have transformed into the worst version, killing and sacking people from their homes and villages. We want all these attacks and death to end in Nigeria.
EUCHARIA ANENE: Recently, a former president of Nigeria Obasanjo stated that the APC government is overwhelmed by terrorism attacks and that is not far from the truth. No one can blame Governor El-Rufai of Kaduna State for suggesting bringing in mercenaries. His state has been badly hit by these terrorists and as the chief security officer of the state, he has all constitutional rights to protect his people.
Terrorism has taken a different dimension in Nigeria and it is sad that the ruling government is helpless. There has been so much bloodshed in Kaduna and I don’t blame the governor of the state to suggest bringing in mercenaries as an option.
For me, if mercenaries would bring the needed peace and end the bloodshed, bombing and kidnapping, then Governor El-Rufai should go ahead. I am sure citizens of the state would support this move.
