The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called for restraint and calm in the wake of the recent tragic killings of 16 Kano-bound Hausa travelers in Uromi, Edo State. Following the news of the deaths, rumors spread that some youths in Kano were planning to launch reprisal attacks on non-indigenes, but Sanusi has strongly advised against such violence.
Sanusi made the appeal on Sunday, after leading the Eid-el-Fitr prayers at the Kofar Mata Eid ground in Kano, urging the youths to resist the urge to take the law into their own hands and to avoid actions that could lead to further violence.
“We got information yesterday (Saturday evening) that youths in some areas are planning to launch reprisal attacks on non-indigenes after the Eid prayers. We are instructing them not to carry out such attacks,” Sanusi said in his statement.
The Emir further urged Kano’s youth to maintain peace, emphasizing that a breakdown of law and order would only make the situation worse. He also called on traditional leaders in the state to be vigilant and ensure that such plans were not executed.
Sanusi’s call for calm comes after the brutal killings of 16 Hausa travelers in Uromi, a town in Edo State, which has sparked anger and tension in Kano. According to reports, the victims, who were traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano, were attacked and killed by unidentified gunmen. The killings have been condemned across the country, with many calling for justice for the victims and their families.
In response to the killings, the Kano State Government has taken immediate action. On Sunday, the state government announced the formation of a high-powered delegation that will travel to Edo State to engage with the state government and security agencies. The delegation’s task is to help track down those responsible for the murders and to ensure that justice is served.
A statement from Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, explained that the delegation would also meet with the leadership of the Hausa community in Edo State to discuss the tragic event and offer support to the affected families.
“The affected individuals, who were on a legitimate adventure traveling from Port Harcourt en route to Uromi in Edo State, deserve justice, and the Kano State Government is committed to ensuring that their rights are protected,” the statement read.
The Kano State Government has urged all citizens to remain calm and avoid taking any actions that could escalate the situation. The government also reassured the public that all necessary measures were being taken, both diplomatically and legally, to address the issue.
“We are in close communication with Edo State Government officials and the security agencies to ensure that justice is delivered to the affected families,” the statement continued.
Emir Sanusi emphasized the importance of justice in this matter, urging the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice. He expressed hope that the Edo State government and security forces would work together to identify and prosecute those responsible for this brutal attack.
“We call on all relevant authorities to ensure justice for the victims. They should investigate and prosecute the persons behind this barbaric act,” Sanusi stated.
He also called on Muslim faithful to continue upholding the values learned during the Ramadan fasting period, reminding them that the lessons of patience, peace, and unity should be maintained even in the face of adversity.
Sanusi’s intervention highlights the role of traditional leaders in promoting peace and preventing violence. By using his influence to encourage calm, he has helped to ensure that tensions in Kano do not escalate into further violence.
In the wake of the tragic killings, the Kano State Government has vowed to do everything in its power to ensure that justice is served. The state has reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens and ensuring the safety and well-being of all its people, regardless of their ethnic or regional background.
The Kano State Government’s statement also expressed condolences to the families of the victims, with officials offering prayers for the peaceful repose of their souls. The government’s pledge to work closely with the relevant authorities to bring justice to the victims has been well received by many in the state, who are eager to see those responsible for the killings brought to justice.
“The Kano State Government expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and prays for the peaceful repose of the departed souls,” the statement concluded. “The government remains steadfast in its commitment to the protection of its people and would continue to work closely with relevant authorities to ensure that justice prevails.”
The intervention of Emir Sanusi is a reminder of the important role that traditional and religious leaders play in maintaining peace and harmony in Nigerian society. In a country as diverse as Nigeria, with a complex mix of ethnicities, religions, and cultures, leaders like Sanusi have a vital responsibility to guide their followers toward peaceful coexistence.
By calling for restraint and emphasizing the importance of justice, Sanusi has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that tensions do not lead to violence. His message is one of unity, peace, and the rule of law, values that are essential in maintaining order in the country.
