Kebbi Massacre: PDP Kicks, Calls On Gov Idris to Sit Up As Victims Get Mass Burial

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Kebbi State, has counseled the State Governor, Nasir Idris, to curtail his incessant foreign trips, and  channel scarce resources towards enhancing security and providing purposeful governance.

The Party spoke against the backdrop of the massacre of no fewer than 15 locals in Mera area of Augie Local Government of the State by suspected banditry elements affiliated to the nascent group- Lukarawas.

The Source reports that the new terrorist gang had, on Friday, November 8, stormed the area in their numbers, killing 15 locals who preparing for Jumaat service.

The terrorists also carted away over 100 cattle ,in addition  to other extortionist tendencies.

According to one of  the traditional title holders of the Community in Yeriman Mera, Bashir Isah Mera, the about 15 victims were killed during an exchange of gunfire between the terrorist group ,the people and local  security.

He informed that it was in a bid to confront the terrorists who emerged from their camps inside surrounding bushes that resulted in the deaths of the people.

According to Mera, the bandits first invaded and seized several cows, forcing the locals to mobilize in resistance.

” On hearing this ( the rustling of the cattle) the people of the town mobilized in their hundreds and pursued them ( terrorists) to the bush in a bid to recover the cows .

There was exchange of gun  fire between the people of the town and the bandits which led to the killing of 15 people and two members of the Lukarawa

Initially ,they did not kill ,but only rustled cows and asked owners to pay  “Zakat” . That has been the situation for two months now. This is the first attack in which they also killed”, Mera ,the community spokesman stated .

In a statement issued on  Saturday, November 9, by its Chairman  Alhaji Usman Bello Suru ,the Kebbi State PDP described the attack as shocking, unfortunate and condemnable .

While extending its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victimsh, Argungu Emirate ,Augie Local Government and the state authorities over the sad development, the PDP called on Governor Idris to stop using public resources to embark on frivolous and  fruitless foreign trips.

Instead of committing scarce resources chasing non existent foreign investment portfolio ,the PDP urged the State Government to concentrate on providing a conducive environment for the people to discover and develop their potentials..

The Party called for a drastic review of the existing security architecture in the State with a view to adequately protecting lives and properties of the people.

Meanwhile, the 15 victims of the attack have been given a mass burial by the authorities.

Deputy Governor Umar Tafida ,Kebbi State Police Commissioner and other Security Chiefs ,Emir of Argungu ,Ismalia Mera ,and top Government functionaries and traditional and religious leaders were among those who witnessed to mass burial.

While condoling the families of the victims ,the Deputy Governor assured that the Kebbi State Government will stand with the deceased relations as well as collaborate with security agencies to halt any future attacks..