By Frank E. Mba
Today 17th June, 2012, three separate incidents of explosions carried out by unknown bombers occurred in Kaduna State. The first incident took place at about 8:35am at ECWA Church Wusasa, Zaria, the second incident at about 8:45am at Christ the King Catholic Church Sabo-Gari, Zaria, while the third incident occurred at Shalom Church Kakuri, Kaduna at about 9:30am.
A total of sixteen persons have so far been confirmed dead as a result of the explosions within the three churches. A breakdown of this figure shows that 9 persons including the suspected suicide bomber died at Christ the King Catholic Church, three persons at ECWA Church and four persons at Shalom Church.
Some parts of the State recorded a momentary breakdown of law and order as angry youths took to the streets to protest the unfortunate attacks on the churches. The Police and other security agencies have however restored normalcy in the affected areas.
Meanwhile the State Government has declared a twenty four hours curfew to enable security agencies assess the situation thoroughly with a view to finding a lasting solution.
While expressing concern over the spate of attacks on churches in some parts of the country, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, NPM, mni, promised that the Police working in collaboration with other security agencies will do everything humanly and operationally possible to bring to an end these seeming endless attacks. He appealed to residents in and around the affected areas to remain calm while efforts are being made by the government and security agencies to find a permanent solution. He noted that two wrongs can never make a right. He also appealed to citizens and opinion leaders to desist from making inciting or inflammatory statements capable of further aggravating the situation.
In addition the IGP strongly warns criminal elements who have been carrying out campaigns of violence on innocent Nigerians and institutions to desist forthwith, as the Police and other law enforcement agencies will not sit back idly and watch them put the life of innocent citizens at jeopardy. He promised the Police do everything possible to protect the innocent and bring the lawless to book.
Meanwhile the IGP has already ordered massive deployment of both Conventional and Anti-Riot Police Units across every nook and cranny of the State (including the highways). In addition, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of ‘A’ Department, DIG Suleiman D. Fakai, who is also the DIG coordinating Police operations in North-West Nigeria, is already in Kaduna where he is personally coordinating Police operations.
CSP FRANK E. MBA
DEPUTY FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FOR: FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA.
