KILLINGS: 17 times Buhari promised to bring perpetrators to book, secure lives of Nigerians…without results

November 27, 2018

By Ebere Ndukwu

Over time, killings of Nigerians in different parts of the country seem to have become a recurring decimal, with government always mouthing promises of ending the killings and bringing perpetrators to book.

On at least 17 occasions, President Muhammadu Buhari, while reacting to such killings, had promised that killers of Nigerians, be it by the Boko Haram terrorist group, suspected herdsmen, during ethnic clashes, or other criminal elements would not escape the full wrath of the law for their actions.

Ripples Nigeria presents 17 instances the President had made these promises and reassured Nigerians of their security, most times after an attack, but missed the mark, while perpetrators of previous killings were yet to be apprehended, or punished according to the laws of the land.

March 16, 2016
After Boko Haram’s attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, left 20 people dead, President Buhari had said in a tweet through his spokesman, Garba Shehu, “I am dismayed by the news of a bomb attack on innocent worshipers in a mosque in Maiduguri this morning. This attack is yet another sign that Boko Haram is a mindless and godless group that in no way represents true Islam.
“I sympathize with all who lost family and loved ones in the attack, and with the government and people of Borno State. Nigerians should please not let down their guard. Vigilance should continue to be a priority, especially in public places. The government remains resolute in its commitment to securing Nigeria from terrorism and violence.”

June 25, 2018
Buhari, in his response to the reported killings of innocent people in Plateau, vowed that his administration would not rest until the murderers and sponsors are brought to justice.
In a statement on his Twitter handle; @MBuhari, he wrote: “The grievous loss of lives and property arising from the killing in Plateau … is painful and regrettable.
“My deepest condolences to the affected communities. We will not rest until all murderers and criminal elements and their sponsors are incapacitated and brought to justice.”

March 12, 2018
When Buhari visited Benue State for the first time after the January 1, attack by herdsmen that left no less than 70 people dead, the President had said: “I cannot overlook the killings in Benue or any other part of Nigeria. I cannot do that. I am genuinely worried about the attacks in Benue and we are doing everything to end them.”

June 25, 2018
The Police had claimed that 86 people were killed in attacks on Razat, Ruku, Nyarr, Kura and Gana-Ropp villages of Gashish District in Barkin Ladi Local Government.
Reacting, in a statement on his verified Twitter page, the presidency said “President Buhari has been briefed on the deeply unfortunate killings across a number of communities in Plateau State, today.
“The Nigerian Army and police are supporting the determined efforts of Governor Simon Lalong to end the attacks and bring relief to affected communities.
“President Buhari appeals for calm and assures that no efforts will be spared to bring the perpetrators to justice, and prevent a recurrence/reprisal attacks.”

February 16, 2018
Following attacks by suspected cattle rustlers in Zamfara where 18 persons were killed Buhari had said in a tweet on his personal Twitter handle @MBuhari: “The perpetrators of all of these senseless attacks on innocent and defenseless Nigerians, in all parts of the country, will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“We must and will bring the spilling of innocent blood to an end.”

October 2018
As a result of communal violence in Kasuwan Magani, Kaduna State, which left 55 persons dead, President Buhari had said on his Twitter handle, “The violence in Kaduna, which has resulted in the deaths of 55 innocent people, is condemnable.
“I am reassuring everyone that the Fed Govt will continue to do all