Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack
on the convoy of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, it emerged
yesterday.
The deputy governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, also
confirmed the arrest to AFP yesterday but declined to give numbers.
This comes as the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the
Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III , condemned the
attack, describing the attackers as cowards.
The Senate President, David Mark, the Northern Governors’ Forum, and
the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) were also among those who condemned
the attack yesterday.
Kano State deputy governor Abdullahi Ganduje said some suspects have
been arrested over the attack but he declined to say how many.
But a security source said on condition of anonymity that four
suspected members of Boko Haram sect have been arrested, claiming that
one of them had allegedly confessed to participating in the attack on
the emir’s convoy.
Meanwhile, the death toll in an attack by gunmen on the convoy of the
Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, has risen to five, the police said
yesterday.
“The interim chairman of Kura Local Government Area and his driver
were also killed by some gunmen who pursued them from the scene of the
attack on Emir Ado Bayero,” Kano police spokesman Magaji Majia also told
AFP.
Kano State Governor Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso had earlier told AFP that three people in the emir’s convoy were killed in the Saturday attack.
The unknown gunmen opened fire on the emir and his convoy as they
were returning from a Qur’anic graduation ceremony in Kano city.
The politician, Salisu Abdullahi Kura, and his driver had left the
convoy in the confusion that followed the attack but were trailed by the
gunmen in a cab and shot dead in a nearby street, Majia said.
The 82-year-old Bayero, who was not hurt in the attack, flew out of
the country to the United Kingdom yesterday along with his two sons
injured in the attack, an official in his palace said.
“The emir left for London around 1:15 pm to cool off after the traumatising event of yesterday,” said the official.
Security was tightened yesterday in Kano, following the attack. Armed
soldiers and policemen patrolled the streets and intensified their search on vehicles at checkpoints in the city.
Attackers are cowards - Sultan
The Sultan of Sokoto condemned the attack in strong terms, describing it as a cowardly act.
In a statement signed by JNI’s secretary-general, Dr. Khalid Abubakar
Aliyu, and made available to journalists in Kaduna, the Sultan
commiserated with Kano State Government, Kano Emirate Council and people
of the state over the wicked attack on the Emir.
“We condemn, in the strongest terms, this dastardly act that led to
loss of innocent lives, and again reiterate our earlier calls to
governments at all levels to give security of life and property of
citizens the utmost priority it deserves.
“We call on all Muslims to intensify prayers to Almighty Allah to bring to an end
the security challenges facing our country. While praying for the
repose of the souls of the deceased, we call on authorities concerned to
carry out a thorough investigation in order to unmask and arrest the
perpetrators of this heinous crime,” he said.
Mark: attack, violent assault on traditional institution
Senate President David Mark yesterday in Abuja condemned Saturday’s attack on the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser (Media), Mr Kola
Ologbondiyan, Mark described the attack as “a violent assault on our
respected traditional institution’’.
The Senate president urged security agencies to rise to the challenge by fishing out the perpetrators.
He also appealed to well-meaning individuals with information on the
hideouts of perpetrators of attacks in the country to make such
available to the security agencies.
The Senate president, however, urged those behind the devious acts to embrace peace in the interest of the nation.
Attack an alert call – IBB
Former military president, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB),
has also condemned the attack on the Emir of Kano, describing it as
frightening.
In a statement issued by IBB, he said it was disturbing that threats
to security had refused to die down, and called on government to change
tactics in its attempt to contain terror attacks in the country.
“The attack on the Emir of Kano which reportedly left four people
dead is a wake-up call to all of us. What could be the motive? What does
anyone stand to gain by attempting to kill an Emir that is nearing
eighty? The Emir of Kano stands out as one traditional ruler who does
not seek favours from those in government and outside it, and who over
the years has been able to live an exemplary life to the admiration of
all. His record of achievements, the stability and candour he has
brought to bear on the throne are virtues that will live for posterity.
May Allah continue to grant him good health for today and the future.
“It is against this backdrop that I find it condemnable for anyone to
attempt the Emir’s life. I wish to advise the federal government to
exploit the option of dialogue with members of the insurgent groups in
order to arrest this prevailing drift in our national security.
“The use of force has proven to be inadequate and ineffective to
checkmate this ugly trend. We must therefore put hands together to find a
more rewarding and meaningful end to this security concern. Dialogue is
my number one preference in this regard,” he said.
Northern governors condemn attack
The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) has also condemned the attack on the Kano monarch.
The chairman of NSGF and Governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida
Aliyu, who gave the position of the forum yesterday in Minna, expressed
sadness over the incident, describing it as a brazen act of terrorism
and the height of insecurity in the country.
He said it was unfortunate that the incident happened at a time when
the search for a lasting solution to the increasing cases of security
challenges in the country was being pursued by the forum and all well
meaning Nigerians.
The governor, in a statement signed by his deputy press secretary,
Bala Bitrus, lambasted the attackers, describing them as faceless
persons who are bent on instilling fear and creating a general state of
apprehension across the country in order to achieve their selfish
motives.
It’s a sacrilegious act – PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on its part described the attack
as a sacrilegious assault on respected traditional institution.
The national publicity secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh,
while commiserating with the families of those who lost their lives in
the attack, said the party was deeply saddened by the wave of attacks.
He urged those behind the dastardly acts to have a change of heart.
Attack mindless – Kalu
Former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kanu, has described the motive and those behind the attack as mindless.
Kalu, in a statement yesterday in reaction to Saturday’s attack on
Alhaji Bayero’s convoy, said the attack also amounted to disrespect for
the traditional institution.
Kalu, in the statement signed by his special adviser, Oyekunle
Oyewunmi, called on the relevant authorities to bring those behind the
attack to book.
Lagos speaker calls for state police
Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji has
condemned in strong terms, the gun attack which resulted in the death of
the Emir’s driver and some of his personal guards.
This was contained in a press statement signed by Mr. Rotimi Adebayo, his Chief Press Secretary yesterday.
The speaker and other members of the House commiserated with the Emir and his family.
“Though it is sad and highly unfortunate that you lost your driver
and a number of your guards in the brutal attack on your convoy, we
however thank the Almighty Allah for saving your precious life on the
occasion. “We also pray that may the Almighty Allah continue to protect
you, while we pray that He grants all the departed ones Fidau Aljanah”,
he said.
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