Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Monday condemned the killing of British aid worker, Faye Mooney, and her Nigerian partner, Matthew Oguche, in Kajuru Castle, Kaduna State at the weekend.
In a statement personally signed by Atiku and made available to BusinessDay by Paul Ibe, his media adviser, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the February 23, 2019 election said it was imperative to keep Nigeria safe for Nigerians and foreigners.
According to a police report, Mooney and Oguche, two tourists who were staying over in the Kajuru Castle, were killed in an attack on the castle on Saturday. They two were among tourists who visited the castle at the weekend.
The tour operator, who is a specialist on Kajuru Castle, had organised many trips to the castle in the past with no incidence until this one.
“The death of any Nigerian or foreigner from terror, crime or insecurity grieves my heart. Nobody’s life is worth taking to advance a religious, political or criminal cause,” Atiku said.
“I condemn the killing of British aid worker, Faye Mooney, and her Nigerian partner, Matthew Oguche, two days ago in Kaduna State. Several other Nigerians were kidnapped during the episode. I want the government and people of the United Kingdom to know that these atrocious actions do not reflect Nigeria’s national character.
“These killings must end or Nigeria will lose desperately needed friends, partners and investors. Not only do I condemn this recent killing, but I make an urgent call for the federal and state authorities to track down the culprits and make them pay for their crimes. The time for empty rhetoric is long gone. Now is the time for urgent national action to stem insecurity,” he said.
Atiku said Nigeria must once again become synonymous with peace, progress and prosperity, adding that this can only happen when crime and punishment are a natural cause and effect.
“As long as there is impunity, our nation will lack unity and security. Impunity must end and must end in earnest. These crimes continue to reoccur because previous killings have not been met with justice. When the punishment for crimes is not forthcoming, criminals are emboldened to commit even worse crimes,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) has sent a message of condolence to the families of the victims of the attack experienced by tourists at the Kajuru Castle.
Bilkisu Abdul, national president, NATOP, condemned the assault on tourists and regretted the loss of lives recorded in the attack.
Abdul called on the government and the security agencies to bring the killers to book, as insecurity is a problem for tourism.
NATOP has been trying to grow domestic tourism in Nigeria and the attack comes as a setback to these efforts.
“Our members are enthusiastic on selling Nigeria as a destination to Nigerians and foreigners and should be supported and not killed. It is sad this is happening now. 2018/2019 has been the best year for domestic tourism in Nigeria and we hope this does not discourage our members from selling Nigeria,” Abdul said.
NATOP has been rotating its Annual General Meeting round Nigeria to expose its members to the tourism attractions in the country. Its next AGM on May 24, 2019 will be hosted by the Ooni of Ife in Osun State. The last AGM was hosted by the government of Plateau State. The 2016 edition was hosted in Calabar, Cross River State.
Abdul called on all NATOP members to take more security precautions in future tours in light of the unfortunate experience in Kaduna.
