The Senate on Tuesday asked President Muhammadu Buhari to declare full war against terrorists in the country as it bemoaned Monday’s attack on a Kaduna-bound train and the worsening security situation in the country generally.
To crush the criminals, it therefore called on the military and various security agencies to launch a full scale war against the terrorists and bandits in all their.
Specifically it called on the Army and Air Force to carry out constant bombardments of the criminals’ hideouts. devilish terrorists.
Blueprint reports that these followed a motion moved by Senator Uba Sani (APC Kaduna Central), who lamented that the security situation in Kaduna State, is getting worrisome on daily basis with attendant loss of innocent lives.
He added that the week-long spate of attacks reached a crescendo with Monday’s attack on a Kaduna-bound train carrying over 970 passengers around Kateri-Rijana axis in Kaduna leading to the killing of some passengers and abduction of others.
He said within the last one week, terrorists or bandits, steeped up their attacks in the State with killings of innocent citizens and deadly attacks on government facilities, the latest of which was the Kaduna bound train attack on Monday evening where scores of passengers were kidnapped and some killed.
He said: “The latest attacks by these murderous elements took place in some communities in Giwa Local Government, namely Angwan Sarki Yahya, Tashar Shari, Bare-Bari, Tsaunin Natal, Dillalai, Durumi and Jatin Kanwa, all on Yakawada Ward.
“Other places affected include Kaya community, Mai kyauro and Fatika. They killed 50 persons and kidnapped over 100 people. They also made strategic roads in Giwa Local Government no go areas.
“Not done with their devilish acts, they made an attempt to penetrate the Kaduna International Airport. Although the attack was foiled by vigilant security operatives, one person lost his life.
“When people were trying to come to grips with a week-long wanton destruction of lives and property, the terrorists struck again.
“Bandits also attacked a Kaduna bound train carrying over 970 passengers around Kateri – Rijana axis in Kaduna, just a few kilometers to the Rigasa Train Station in Igabi Local Government Area of the State.
“The train derailed after the first wave of attacks. Grenades and RPG were used. They rained bullets on all the coaches. Some passengers were killed, while many sustained bullet wounds.
“There are reports that some of the passengers were abducted. The terrified passengers only breathed a sigh of relief when security agencies arrived and secured the train and the area. It’s been a reign of undiluted terror.
“It is disheartening that these enemies of the people are getting emboldened by the day. They are becoming more brazen. These blood cuddling vampires have no regard for human life. They have no place in a civilized society.”
Senators Suleiman Kwari (APC Kaduna North) and Danjumah La’ah (PDP Kaduna South), in their contributions , said heinous operations by terrorists in Kaduna State are no longer news as they happen on daily basis.
Senator Kwari in particular gave gory details of violence unleashed on passengers of the ill fated train by terrorists.
According to him, those rescued by security agencies out of the 970 passengers trekked in the bush for two hours.
Contributing, Senator Gabriel Suswam (PDP Benue North East) blamed the train attack on leadership failure in the country, noting that it is time for appropriate authorities to take decisive actions to address insecurity in the country.
According to Channels TV, Suswam said: “I want to join my other colleagues in saying that this is indeed a very sad commentary on the security situation of our country. Discussion on the security of our country has taken a large chunk of our discussion here.
“It is time enough for the appropriate authority to have taken decisive actions to address the security in our country. This is high time that we as a Senate meet with the leadership of this country to sit down and talk.”
The sponsor of the motion Senator Uba Sani noted that terrorists have stepped up attacks in some communities and public facilities in Kaduna State.
He mentioned the terrorist’s attempt to attack the Kaduna airport, killing of fifty persons and kidnap of over 100 persons from several communities in Kaduna.
The Senate consequently asked the army and Airforce to carry out a sustained bombardment of the terrorist enclaves with a bid to flush them out and ensuring peace and stability to the affected communities.
Also, it directed the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant government agencies to assist the affected communities with relief materials.
The lawmakers also observed a minute silence in honour of those who were killed and prayed for the release of those who were abducted.
Other resolutions taken by the Senate from the motion titled : “The Continuing Attacks on Communities and Public Facilities in Kaduna State”, were one minute silence held in honour of those who were killed and the need for the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to give relief materials to those affected.
