Abuja-Kaduna train attack: Military should bombard terrorists’ enclave -Senate

The Senate has urged the military to bombard terrorist enclaves with a view to restoring peace and stability in the country.

The call was made during plenary on Tuesday by Senator Uba Sani (Kaduna Central) following the continued attacks on communities and public facilities in Kaduna State.

According to the lawmaker, the terrorists have in recent times stepped up attacks on some communities and public facilities in Kaduna State.

He said, “The latest attacks by these murderous elements took place in some communities in Giwa Local Government, namely Angwan Sarki Yahya, Tashar Shari, Bare-Bari, Tsaunin Natal, Dillalai, Durumi and Jatin Kanwa, all on Yakawada Ward.

“Other places affected include Kaya community, Mai kyauro and Fatika. They killed 50 persons and kidnapped o 100 people. They also made strategic roads in Giwa Local Government no go areas.

“Not done with their devilish acts, they made an attempt to penetrate the Kaduna International Airport.

“Although the attack was foiled by vigilant security operatives, one person lost his life. When people were trying to come to grips with a week-long wanton destruction of lives and property, the terrorists struck again.”

This is as he bemoaned the attacks by bandits on a Kaduna bound train carrying over 970 passengers around Kateri – Rijana axis in Kaduna, just a few kilometers to the Rigasa Train Station in Igabi Local Government Area of the State.

“The train derailed after the first wave of attacks. Grenades and RPG were used. They rained bullets on all the coaches. Some passengers were killed, while many sustained bullet wounds.

“There are reports that some of the passengers were abducted. The terrified passengers only breathed a sigh of relief when security agencies arrived and secured the train and the area. It’s been a reign of undiluted terror”, Senator Sani said.

He noted that, “these latest attacks are aimed at instilling fear in the people and destroying the economies of our local communities.

“It is disheartening that these enemies of the people are getting emboldened by the day. They are becoming more brazen. These blood cuddling vampires have no regard for human life. They have no place in a civilized society.”

He expressed concern that the unrelenting attacks calls to question the strategies and tactics being adopted by our security forces.

“We expected that with the declaration of bandits as terrorists by a court of competent jurisdiction, they will be degraded in no time.
“This appears not to be happening. The security forces must reassess their strategies and come up with workable and effective solutions to the menace of terrorists in Kaduna State”, he added.

Sani observed that the forests where the terrorists hold sway are not impregnable, adding that, “a comprehensive operational plan, executed with high sense of professionalism and responsibility, total commitment on the part of our security forces and the support and cooperation of the local communities will rid Kaduna State forests of these murderous elements.”

The lawmaker explained that the advocacy for creation of State Police would bring law enforcement closer to the people.

“Effective gathering of intelligence and sustained security operations at the local level will make life uncomfortable for terrorists.

“They will have no operational base; and Once again draw the attention of the Federal Government, particularly security agencies comprising the Nigerian Police, the Nigerian Army and other relevant security agencies to the grave security situation in Kaduna State and other states of the federation”, he said.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, COAS Faruk Yahaya, has paid a visit to the scene of the attack by bandits.