Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State on Wednesday appealed to citizens not to respond to the treatment meted on him by demonstrators in Kafanchan, Jema’a local Government Area of the state on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, Daily Nigerian reported the attack on the governor by half-naked women protesters in the Southern Kaduna area.A statement by the governor’s spokesman, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed our story, saying the governor was pelted with stones.
“The governor and his entourage were pelted with stones and some of the vehicles broken after addressing some demonstrators immediately after he chaired Kaduna State Security Council meeting in the area.
“The official residence of the local government chairman, Dr.Bege Katuka was also burnt.
Mr. Aruwan said the governor “considers the unfortunate events as part of the burdens of leadership”.
He also said the governor is of the view that there must be no reaction to the incident other than a continued commitment to restore peace and harmony.
The statement quoted the governor as saying that “in the name of God, I am begging you. No one should take the law into his or her hand over what happened in Kafanchan. Although it is unfortunate, but we must rise above induced prejudice and hatred. We must defeat hate with patience, love and dedication to duty and not eye for an eye.“It is also a burden of leadership and we will, by the special grace of God, overcome these forces of darkness who are dividing our citizens using religion, ethnicity and politics. I commend the high sense of professionalism exhibited by security personnel.
“I listened to three of the women who led the protesters as they asked me questions. I answered them and even invited them to a larger meeting, but they went on rampage and burnt the residence of the local government chairman.
“The government of Kaduna State and the Security Council sympathize with the chairman of Jema’a local government, Dr.Bege Katuka and his family over the unfortunate incident that led to the burning of their home. Our prayers and support go with them.”
Similarly, the governor will update the people of the state on the steps being taken to improve security in the state in a state-wide live radio interview on Wednesday night, from 8pm to 10 pm.
