CSO asks Buhari to sack defence chiefs over Kaduna military base attack

The Northern Advocacy for Peace (NAP), a civil society organisation, has condemned the recent attack on a military base in Kaduna state.

On Monday, some soldiers were killed when suspected gunmen engaged the troops in a fierce gun battle at a military base in the state.

The gunmen were also said to have dislodged the soldiers and carted away with several weapons from the troops.

In a statement in Abuja, on Wednesday, Khalifa Shuaibu, NAP president, expressed displeasure over the destruction of lives and properties by terrorist groups in the northern region in the past one month.

The group further asked President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the chief of defence staff and the chief of defence intelligence over the attack.

It noted that “the bold attacks” by the terrorists is a clear case of a collapse in the intelligence system or sabotage from some quarters in the military.

“In Niger, Sokoto, Zamfara, Borno, Kebbi and Kaduna, terrorists have continued to kill, maim, destroy and kidnap citizens. Terrorists have imposed heavy taxes on several communities in the country as if government has collapsed or there is no military to protect the sovereignty of the country,” Shuaibu said.

“It is surprising to say the least that, from available information in the public domain, these terrorists engaged personnel for over 3 hours without any backup. What has happened to our intelligence?

“Recently in Kaduna, which hosts all the military formations, a deadly attack in the Kagoro local government area led to the death of over 34 civilians, 2 military personnel and several wounded people with properties razed down.

“Zamfara has become a theatre of murder and boxing ring of deaths. Over 37 civilians were killed and over 62 kidnapped in Jugi, and Doruwa in Bungudu local government. Similar killings occurred in Ganar-Kiyawa village in Bukkuyum local government recording deaths and kidnapping of over 20 members of the community.

“Kebbi state has not been left out in these bloodletting attacks. 63 vigilantes were murdered and the deputy governor of the state was attacked by bandits leading to the death of 18 soldiers. Pockets of killings and attacks have continued in the state.

“The military cannot protect Nigerians on the roads, on trains and on air. The terrorists kill and kidnap travellers in the entire sector and no one is resigning or sacked? The Chief of Defense Staff and his Chief of Defense Intelligence should resign or Mr President should sack them without delay and bring new officers who will face the ever changing tactics of the terrorists”

The group asked the president to relieve the defence chiefs of their jobs in 72-hour or it will commence protests across the 19 northern states.