In the wake of panic following the recent bandit attack on Kagoro suburbs, in which one life was lost and several others injured, Cedar Seed Foundation (CSF), CEO, Lois Auta-Udonkanta has called for calm and resilience while urging the State Government to put an end to insecurity in Kaduna State.
According to a resident, the terrorists stormed the community in large numbers, shooting sporadically into the air and in the process at least one person got killed and many others wounded.
A wheelchair user, Lois Auta was among many residents forced to leave the community with her husband at the time of the attack. Auta had to abandon her wheelchair while her husband ferried her to safety in the car.
Recounting the incidence, Auta says: “at 7 am, there were shootings at Mararaban Kagoro, 5 kilometers away from my family home. People were asked to run for their dear lives. I was still in pyjamas when my husband hurriedly put me in the car in my pyjamas and drove off to safety. We didn’t even bother to take my mobility aid. It’s life first.
“We entirely left that locality to another Local Government Area where we settled in a hotel while praying for permanent peace and love in Kagoro and Kaduna State.”
It was learnt that few hours after, soldiers and the police came to repel the attack, bringing calm to the situation. That was when the couple were able to retrieve Auta’s wheelchair and other luggages to a safe place.”
Former Chairman, Kaura Local Council, Kumai Badu, who confirmed the incident, said the injured persons have been taken to hospital.
Auta, speaking in an interview, urged residents to remain calm, resilient while being prepared to fight back in times of attack.
The Cedar Seed CEO charged Kagoro people to be security conscious and strategic in dealing with enemies of the State.
“This is electioneering period, Auta says, it’s important that we vote for the right candidate not parties. When the right and credible candidates are voted into power they will do the right thing and deliver exceedingly well. Kagoro and Kaduna people must keep open minds, eyes and hearts to vote out bad leadership in 2023. We need competent candidates with character not parties.”
She also tasked the State Government on setting aside other things to restrategize on ending insecurity and prioritizing lives and properties of Nigerians.
“To ensure better security of lives and properties, Governor El-rufai has to look inwards, engage indigenous youth to safeguard their lives and communities. Also a technical committee on security should be set up to dialogue on insecurity with community leaders and key stakeholders. Government should also make sure to implement the resulting recommendations. Above all, we have to put an end to insecurity before insecurity puts an end to our lives.” She said.
Kaduna residents have been under constant attacks for some time now – with high casualties.
It would be recalled that terrorists recently attacked the Kaduna International Airport, killing a security man. This is aside the Kaduna-Abuja train incident some weeks ago – killing eight and kidnapping scores.