President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday condemned the killing of 19 innocent people in Tawari community of Kogi Local Government Area, Kogi State.
This is just as he assured that federal government decision to withdraw soldiers from communities where the military have restored peace won’t be rushed.
The President, in a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu,said: “there is no excuse or justification for killing innocent people by anybody or group, and for whatever motive.’’
“The killings and revenge killings will only aggravate the cycle of violence, creating neither safety nor security for any side.
“People should avoid taking the law into their own hands because doing so could make a bad situation worse and undermine the government’s efforts to tackle security challenges.
“I am gravely worried about frequency and temptation of using violence to settle disputes instead of following lawful and amicable means to avoid needless destruction of lives and property,’’ he said.
The President also reassured Nigerians that withdrawal of the military from areas where peace had been restored will not be done in a manner that will expose communities to more risks of attacks.
The president said the withdraw exercise will be gradual and carefully planned, not abrupt or arbitrary to jeopardise the success already recorded by the military.
Reacting to concerns and appeals from governors and community leaders over the proposed withdrawal, President Buhari said the “administration will not abandon citizens in need of protection.”
The Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok Ekwe Ibas had while briefing State House Correspondents after the last Security Council meeting chaired by the President , disclosed that the President ordered the withdrawal of Soldiers from such communities to enable them concentrate on tackling situation in troubled regions.
The directives followed the increasing attacks on Nigeria communities by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) led Boko Haram insurgents in the North East.
Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok Ekwe Ibas , an Admiral, described the activities of ISWAP in the North East as “ worrisome “
He disclosed that ISWAP has carried out no fewer than 27 attacks on Nigeria communities in the last two weeks, many of which were repelled by the Nigeria security agencies.
“You will also recall that just two weeks back we have had over 27 attacks from Boko Haram and ISWAP in the northeast alone.
“Our gallant troops out there were able to repelled these attacks and even take out some of their commanders.
“So, it is a thing of concern but the armed forces of Nigeria are doing all in their powers to ensure that together with other regional partners, that the menace of ISWAP is contained.
But President Buhari , while addressing concerns over the decision , urged Nigerians, especially public affairs analysts, to carefully study the statement following a security council meeting with service chiefs that the withdrawal of troops will be done after an “assessment” to determine areas where peace had returned to enable civil authorities assume full control.
President Buhari said where it is determined that the withdrawal will not in any way jeopardize peace already achieved, the military pull out will be in a careful and gradual way.
“You don’t need to worry. We will not expose our people and their communities to harm or danger,” the President assured.
“The withdrawal is to allow the military focus on its primary duty of defending the nation against external aggression. It is the duty of the police to handle internal security since Nigeria is not at war.
“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps will support the police to provide internal security. When it is time to withdraw, nothing will be rushed,’’ he added.
Tony Ailemen, Abuja
