We’re not here to take sides, Buratai says as army sets up base in southern Kaduna

The Nigerian army has laid the foundation for the establishment of a military base in Jema’a local government area of Kaduna state.

The establishment of the base was in response to the recent escalation of killings in the southern part of Kaduna.

Speaking at the ceremony, Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff, said the army is committed to the peace in the area.

He said the army will be in southern Kaduna for a special military exercise between March and April to consolidate on the achievements recorded in the area of security.

“The exercise is a basic military exercise that will further consolidate our achievements recorded in internal security,” he said.

“The exercise is a basic military exercise that will further consolidate our achievements recorded in internal security.

“We know there are issues, we hope the issues will quickly come to an end. It has started coming down. There is need for a more lasting solution to the problem which all the stakeholders are working to achieve.

“We are not supposed to be seen among the civil populace unless if there are internal security challenges to be contain.

“I just came from Ninte (the village where the current crisis started), I saw the people there and I spoke with them on the need to live in peace with one another.

“There is a long historical connection, you cannot separate the herders from farmers. It is a long time history, the better we live in peace, the better for all of us.

“We are here to keep the peace, we are not take side in the conflict. We want to ensure that there is peace so that people will go about their normal businesses.”

Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, said his administration would provide the necessary assistance to the army.

“When we were campaigning, we promised that a military formation would be established to tackle the security challenges in southern Kaduna,” he said.

“We are expecting another military formation to be established in Kachia. This will enhance security in the state.”

He added that government was determined to bring all those responsible for the killings in the area to book.