Thugs Invade, Disrupt Northern Groups’ Security Summit In Kaduna |The Source

By Gideon Njoku

The unprecedented happened in Kaduna on Monday when thugs, in their numbers, wielding dangerous weapons, invaded the Arewa House Kaduna.They were after officials of the Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG. Members of the group was there for a security summit.

In the past few weeks, security has descended to an unprecedented level, especially, in the North, causing an explosion of panic. A couple of weeks ago, insurgents, in a most horrifying manner, tied up over 60 rice farmers, and beheaded them.

Worried, the Group scheduled a meeting to discuss the situation, but the venue was invaded by thugs, who chased members away.

Confirming that the officials and members of the Group were chased away, Abdulaziz Suleiman, spokesman of the CNG, explained in a statement that security guards had to scamper to safety.

He said: “We regret to announce that armed thugs numbering hundreds were unleashed on the Arewa House venue of the security summit hosted by the Coalition of Northern Groups on Monday, December 14.

“The Summit  aimed to discuss ways to achieve synergy between communities and government security and design a uniform approach to the current security situation in the North.

“Participants at the meeting included retired military officers, retired Police officers, religious leaders, traditional rulers, various women, youth and trade associations.”

The CNG revealed that just as the meeting was about to begin, ”sponsored armed thugs stormed the auditorium after subduing the civil guards at the gate.”

He continued: “They overturned tables shattered glasses, attacked the guests and officials, wounding several people and smashing vehicles parked in the premises.

“It is disturbing that a battalion of armed thugs can stroll free across the streets of central Kaduna wielding dangerous weapons without the intervention of the security. Security only arrived hours after the thugs had left.”

“It is quite obvious now that some powerful forces are benefiting from the current security situation and would do everything for it to continue.

“We are now all the more committed to ensuring the safety and security of the North and its people.”