By Abubakar Sadiq Mohd
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has asked the Federal Government to direct a Special Security Operation in the north to flush out and destroy terrorists’ enclaves across the northern part of the country.
The youths, who staged a peaceful demonstration in Zaria, Kaduna State, against incessant killings and kidnappings for ransom by terror bandits, agitated for quick action to dismantle such enclaves.
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The Protestants also raised concern on the high level of insecurity rocking Zaria-Kaduna expressway, which they described as a “strategic gateway” to many northern states but has now become a deathtrap to commuters.
Daily Trust reports that the protesters, who converged on Kwangila flyover bridge on the Kaduna-Zaria expressway, marched down to PZ area of Sabon Gari Local Government Area, wielding placards with inscription such as; “Zaria peace walk against insecurity, “End insecurity now, “North is bleeding” and “secure north.”
Addressing journalists during the protest, the Deputy Coordinator, North-west zone of the group, Comrade Sani Sa’ed Al-Tukry, said those disturbing the peace in the north must be eliminated or arrested to face the full wrath of the law.
He described as unfortunate the almost daily incidents of kidnapping of innocent citizens, saying, “It has been a tale of blood, tears and gnashing of teeth which must not be allowed to continue.”
He said the entire northern region is bleeding and that nowhere is safe, urging the federal government to order security agencies to mount and sustain special operations on all roads particularly Zaria-Kaduna, Kaduna-Abuja, Kaduna-Birnin Gwari-Niger, Birnin Gwari-Funtua-Katsina-Zamfara-Sokoto roads.
“The north today is like a sinking ship that is about to capsize, there is need for unified stance guided by an agreed national interest irrespective of political, religious and ethnic affiliation. The national security architecture should significantly improve Nigeria’s chances of mitigating the spate of violence or terrorism across the country so that together, we can join hands to build a nation where peace and justice shall reign,” Al Tukry stated.
