Buhari promises to compensate victims of 2011 post-election violence killed after he lost to Goodluck

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to deal decisively with the perpetrators of the recent violence in Kaduna that claimed over 60 lives and promised to pay compensation to the victims of the 2011 post-election violence in the state.

Speaking during a meeting with traditional and religious leaders at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Murtala Square, Kaduna, over the violence that rocked the state last week, the president said this time around, those responsible for the killings would not get away with the crime. he also said that those who lost loved ones in 2011 when his supporters went on the rampage after he lost presidential elections would be compensated.

Yesterday, Governor Nasir El;-Rufai, told the president during his visit, that the 2011 post-election killings were part of the cause of the recent violence. Back then, many people perceived to have backed President Goodluck Jonathan over President Buhari, including youth corpers who conducted the elections were attacked by rampaging mobs.

 President Buhari said: “The federal government will take strongest measures possible to punish perpetrators of these crimes. If, in the past they got away scot free, we shall now hold everyone to account for these latest killings, so let it be clear to all that individuals and communities have obligations to comply with the law and uphold peace.

These obligations include respecting the rights of others to live wherever they choose, to worship freely and to pursue lawful livelihoods anywhere in this country. These are constitutional and human rights that we as a government and people must uphold and defend.”

Expressing sadness over the loss of lives and property during the recent attacks, President Buhari  said it was unacceptable that criminal elements could visit wanton killings on citizens as recorded in the Kasuwan Magani incident of October 18 and the unrest around Kaduna metropolis a few days later. He also commiserated with the government and people of the state over the killing of a traditional ruler, the Agom Adara Maiwada Raphael Galadima, who was killed by his abductors after collecting a N10m ransom.

President Buhari assured the people of Kaduna State that the federal government would continue to work to ensure that more security assets were recruited and deployed across the country to protect all citizens going about their lawful business and to reinforce the authority of the government. He commended the efforts of the Kaduna State government in responding to and managing the crisis.

The president said the federal government was doing its best to develop human capital and address poverty and inequality in all parts of the country. Yesterday's meeting, which lasted for about an hour, was attended by the Emir of Zaria Alhaji Shehu Idris, the chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria Bishop George Dodo and the secretary-general of the Jama’atul Nasril Islam Dr Khalid Aliyu, as well as several traditional and religious leaders from the communities affected by the violence.