Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, on Friday met with traditional rulers, security chiefs and other stakeholders on how to proffer solution to the persistent killings in Kajuru community in the state.
Kajuru is in the southern part of the state and has come under attacks by gunmen in recent times. Many residents have died in the process.
The meeting held on Friday at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna, was presided by the governor.
Others who attended the meeting include the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe; Speaker of the state House of Assembly; member of the House of Representatives representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Umar Barde; security chiefs in the state, among others.
Barde, who spoke to journalists shortly after the meeting, said ethnic nationalities in Kajuru should embrace peace.
The Peoples Democratic Party lawmaker said el-Rufai was taking the necessary steps to ensure that peace reigns in the troubled area.
He said, “The meeting was at the instance of the security situation in Kajuru community and Governor Nasir el-Rufai was there.
“There is a need for mutual trust among ethnic groups; there will be no peace if there is no trust.
“The governor asked us, as the major stakeholders, to talk to our people on the need for peace.
“The governor is taking all security measures to tackle the security situation. He is giving all the support to the security agencies to bring peace to the area.”
Also speaking, the state Commissioner of Police, Umar Muri, said more security operatives had been deployed in the troubled area, adding that the security situation was under control.
He warned against reprisals, saying they could further aggravate the situation.
Muri said, “We discussed a lot about the reprisals in Kajuru community. We cannot relent. We are trying our best to bring lasting peace to Kajuru. We have mobilised more men to the affected area in Kajuru and the situation is under control.
“My advise to the community is that reprisals will not solve the problem and we are warning the community against reprisals for peace to reign.”
The District Head of Kufana, Titus Dauda, also stressed the need for peace in his domain.
“We need peace in Kajuru. In Kajuru, we have Adara, Fulani, Hausa and other nationalities. We believe there will be peace,” the monarch said.