Sambo condoles with victims of political violence

Bauchi,  – The Police Command in Bauchi State says that the number of NYSC members who were killed in the post-election violence in the state, has risen from four to seven.

Vice-President Namadi Sambo has condoled with the families of those who died during the post-election violence that erupted in some parts of the country after the presidential election.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr John Abakasanya, who disclosed this to journalists in Bauchi in Bauchi, said that a female corps member was raped, while some corps members were still missing.

He said that a pastor’s daughter was slain by the rioters, who also killed a policewoman.

The police chief said that a Divisional Police Officer and a Divisional Crime Officer were seriously assaulted by the rioters.

He said that 17 vehicles, the house of Alhaji Ibrahim Dandija, the Secretary to the State Government, as well as his father’s house were burnt during the mayhem.

Abakasanya, however, said that 68 suspects had been arrested across the state’s three senatorial districts in connection with the violence, adding that the suspects would be arraigned on Tuesday.

He said that the suspects would face charges, ranging from killing of innocent people, burning of places of worship, houses and INEC offices to rape.

The police boss said that some of the suspects were arrested by the police between April 16 and 22 in Giade, Itas Gadau, Misau and Azare Local Government Areas.

Abakasanya said that the police seized dangerous weapons from some of the suspects.

“The arrest is ongoing and the police will intensify its 24-hour stop-and-search operation across the state,” he added.

Abakasanya, however, said that the police command required more personnel to enable it to provide adequate security during the April 28 governorship and state assembly elections.

Sambo condoles with victims of political violence

The  Vice-President Namadi Sambo has condoled with the families of those who died during the post-election violence that erupted in some parts of the country after the presidential election.

Sambo, in a statement issued in Abuja by Malam Umar Sani, his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, on Sunday, bemoaned the loss of lives and property during the violence.

The statement said that the Vice-President urged all the citizens to eschew violence, embrace peace and promote harmonious coexistence.

“The excellent democratic process that has been put in place has produced electoral outcomes that have gained both local and international acclaim.
“This national effort must be sustained and should not be allowed to be derailed by unpatriotic elements seeking to cause disaffection and disharmony amongst our citizens,” the statement quoted Sambo as saying.

It said that the Vice-President noted that power resided with the people and added that the people had expressed the power decisively and clearly by electing candidates of their choice.

The statement, therefore, urged all the citizens to respect the wishes of the electorate so as to enable the country’s democracy to thrive.

“The Vice-President maintained that the mayhem unleashed on innocent citizens in some parts of the country was regrettable and deserved condemnation by all well-meaning Nigerians.

“He vowed that the Federal Government would leave no stone unturned in efforts to bring the perpetrators of these dastardly acts to justice.

“Sambo expressed optimism that the Judicial Commission of Inquiry that would be constituted on the crisis will live up to the expectations of Nigerians.

“He, therefore, called on all Nigerians to give peace a chance, support government’s efforts in this direction and continue to live in peace and harmony,’’ the statement said. (NAN)