PDP seeks independent investigation into Kwara killings

… says death of 170 people, sad reminder of security failures

The Tanimu Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for an independent investigation into the recent attack by terrorists in Woro Community of Kwara State, which reportedly led to the death of about 170 people.

The party said the incident was a “sad reminder” of the heightened insecurity under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration.

“The most painful part of this sad story is the fact that several community leaders have stated that the notice of this impending attack was available for months, without any meaningful proactive action from the government, which makes the post-carnage military deployment weak, reactive, and irresponsible.

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“The Presidential deployment of the military cannot bring back the killed people or erase the concomitant trauma imposed upon the community,” the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, stated on Thursday.

While commiserating with the families of the victims, the PDP asked the government to set up an independent panel to “investigate the security failures that led to this massacre, including why early warnings were ignored.”

The party also called for the provision of emergency relief for survivors, including medical care and temporary shelter for the displaced survivors in the Woro community.

It further advised the government to convene a national security summit involving relevant stakeholders to find solutions to the current security challenges.

The party added, “Investment in community-based early warning mechanisms and ensuring that credible threats are acted upon promptly rather than ignored.

“Furthermore, we reiterate our call that the Federal Government should adopt a whole-of-society approach in providing a sustainable solution to the insecurity problem in the country. This approach must include intelligence sharing between federal and state security agencies, the commencement of state police, addressing the root causes of banditry and terrorism through economic development in affected regions, and regular security briefings on emerging threats.

“Their current ad hoc and reactionary tactics have proven woefully inadequate, with attendant loss of lives. The Tinubu administration must be reminded that being reactionary has never been an effective strategy and cannot be relied on to solve complex problems.

“Undeniably, the Presidency is paying more attention to politics than to the execution of the primary mandate of government, which is the protection of lives and property.

“The blood of innocent Nigerians continues to cry out for justice and competent leadership. The time for excuses is over; the time for action is now.”