A group, Concerned Nigerians for Security Unity and Sovereignty (CONSUS) has alleged that some bandits in military custody in Southern Kaduna are secretly being released warning that such action may lead to chaos.
The group raised the alarm in a statement signed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of PVC-Naija and initiator of CONSUS, Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi on Thursday, April 18.
According to the group, the bandits were initially arrested by the military for their involvement in various crimes associated with kidnapping, murder, rustling, and especially, setting ablaze the rectory of Saint Raphael’s Catholic Church Fadan Kamanton in the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Kaduna State.
The actions of the bandits according to the group led to the death of Na’aman Danladi, a budding Catholic Priest, who was burned to ashes in the fire set by the arrested bandits
The bandits as noted in the statement were known to have been responsible “for why Southern Kaduna, particularly Ikulu land, has become a theatre of death; a cluster for kidnappers, and a harmful colony to both its people and would-be investors.”
The statement observed further that the released bandits were known to have orchestrated “the cold-blooded murder of the likes of the former Director General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Dr. Yakubu Sankey, Ardo Saleh Umar who was slaughtered like ram because of his commitments to Peace, and a retired Airforce Officer, Master Warrant Officer Hamza Musa, among tens of people that they sent to their early graves. ”
Some of the released bandits were said to have been found with dangerous ammunition such as the AK-47 which they freely used against innocent farmers in broad daylight.
‘This is not to mention their report card in the kidnap of especially vulnerable women and children that they often keep in their custody for weeks or months depending on when a ransom is paid.” the group noted.
The evil of their deeds
Still wondering what led to the release of the alleged criminals, the group lamented that hundreds of people cannot visit their hometowns because of the activities of the terrorists, while some traditional rulers have fled the town.
“This is not to mention the inability of ordinary people to freely go to their farms for fear of being kidnapped. Ditto investors. The result is clearly what we now see: famine and the shutdown of economic activities.”
Some of the allegedly released bandits have been in detention since late last.
Their release according to CONSUS leaves a sour taste “because the society they were released into was still mourning the consequence of their evil deeds.
“Their coming back is marked by both celebration and mourning. Celebration by their families and friends, and mourning by the rest of society. The last few days, particularly in Ikulu land, have seen some impromptu migrations for fear of the obvious.”
While urging all to be calm and law-abiding, particularly in Ikulu land, the group urged the government to investigate the release of the alleged bandits.
Govt must explain their release
The statement reads in part, “Government and all those in charge of our security must answer the following: Were these people charged to court? Were they found innocent leading to their release? If not, could it be that they have finished serving their jail terms? And if they were released on bail, who were their sureties?”
It then pleaded with the government and all stakeholders to look into the development before it breeds chaos “The people are desperate to live and could do anything to keep their lives. A stitch in time saves nine, the saying goes.” The statement concludes