Reaction trails attack of Emir of Kano Convoy

Attackers are cowards - Sultan
The Sultan of Sokoto condemned the
attack in strong terms, describing it as a
cowardly act.
In a statement signed by JNI’s secretary-
general, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, and
made available to journalists in Kaduna,
the Sultan commiserated with Kano State
Government, Kano Emirate Council and
people of the state over the wicked attack
on the Emir.
“We condemn, in the strongest terms,
this dastardly act that led to loss of
innocent lives, and again reiterate our
earlier calls to governments at all levels
to give security of life and property of
citizens the utmost priority it deserves.
“We call on all Muslims to intensify
prayers to Almighty Allah to bring to an
end the security challenges facing our
country. While praying for the repose of
the souls of the deceased, we call on
authorities concerned to carry out a
thorough investigation in order to
unmask and arrest the perpetrators of
this heinous crime,” he said.
Mark: attack, violent assault on
traditional institution
Senate President David Mark yesterday in
Abuja condemned Saturday’s attack on
the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.
In a statement issued by his Special
Adviser (Media), Mr Kola Ologbondiyan,
Mark described the attack as “a violent
assault on our respected traditional
institution’’.
The Senate president urged security
agencies to rise to the challenge by
fishing out the perpetrators.
He also appealed to well-meaning
individuals with information on the
hideouts of perpetrators of attacks in the
country to make such available to the
security agencies.
The Senate president, however, urged
those behind the devious acts to embrace
peace in the interest of the nation.
Attack an alert call – IBB
Former military president, General
Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), has
also condemned the attack on the Emir of
Kano, describing it as frightening.
In a statement issued by IBB, he said it
was disturbing that threats to security
had refused to die down, and called on
government to change tactics in its
attempt to contain terror attacks in the
country.
“The attack on the Emir of Kano which
reportedly left four people dead is a
wake-up call to all of us. What could be
the motive? What does anyone stand to
gain by attempting to kill an Emir that is
nearing eighty? The Emir of Kano stands
out as one traditional ruler who does not
seek favours from those in government
and outside it, and who over the years
has been able to live an exemplary life to
the admiration of all. His record of
achievements, the stability and candour
he has brought to bear on the throne are
virtues that will live for posterity. May
Allah continue to grant him good health
for today and the future.
“It is against this backdrop that I find it
condemnable for anyone to attempt the
Emir’s life. I wish to advise the federal
government to exploit the option of
dialogue with members of the insurgent
groups in order to arrest this prevailing
drift in our national security.
“The use of force has proven to be
inadequate and ineffective to checkmate
this ugly trend. We must therefore put
hands together to find a more rewarding
and meaningful end to this security
concern. Dialogue is my number one
preference in this regard,” he said.
Northern governors condemn attack
The Northern States Governors Forum
(NSGF) has also condemned the attack on
the Kano monarch.
The chairman of NSGF and Governor of
Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, who
gave the position of the forum yesterday
in Minna, expressed  sadness over the
incident, describing it as a brazen act of
terrorism and the height of insecurity in
the country.
He said it was unfortunate that the
incident happened at a time when the
search for a lasting solution to the
increasing cases of security challenges in
the country was being pursued by the
forum and all well meaning Nigerians.
The governor, in a statement signed by
his deputy press secretary, Bala Bitrus,
lambasted the attackers, describing them
as faceless persons who are bent on
instilling fear and creating a general state
of apprehension across the country in
order to achieve their selfish motives.
It’s a sacrilegious act – PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on
its part described the attack as a
sacrilegious assault on respected
traditional institution.
The national publicity secretary of the
party, Chief Olisa Metuh, while
commiserating with the families of those
who lost their lives in the attack, said the
party was deeply saddened by the wave
of attacks. He urged those behind the
dastardly acts to have a change of heart.
Attack mindless – Kalu
Former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji
Uzor Kanu, has described the motive and
those behind the attack as mindless.
Kalu, in a statement yesterday in reaction
to Saturday’s attack on Alhaji Bayero’s
convoy, said the attack also amounted to
disrespect for the traditional institution.
Kalu, in the statement signed by his
special adviser, Oyekunle Oyewunmi,
called on the relevant authorities to bring
those behind the attack to book.
Lagos speaker calls for state police
Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly,
Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji has condemned
in strong terms, the gun attack which
resulted in the death of the Emir’s driver
and some of his personal guards.
This was contained in a press statement
signed by Mr. Rotimi Adebayo, his Chief
Press Secretary yesterday.
The speaker and other members of the
House commiserated with the Emir and
his family.
“Though it is sad and highly unfortunate
that you lost your driver and a number
of your guards in the brutal attack on
your convoy, we however thank the
Almighty Allah for saving your precious
life  on the occasion. “We also pray that
may the Almighty Allah continue to
protect you, while we pray that He grants
all the departed ones Fidau Aljanah”, he
said.