Train Attack: ‘Bombard Terrorists Now’- Senate Tells Military

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The Senate has called on the Army and Air Force to, as a matter of urgency, bombard terrorist enclaves with a view to restoring peace and stability in the country.

The call was made on Tuesday amid resolutions reached, following a point of order raised on “the continuing attacks on Communities and public facilities in Kaduna State.”

The point of order was raised by Senator Uba Sani (Kaduna Central).

The lawmaker, noted that terrorists have in recent times stepped up attacks on some communities and public facilities in Kaduna State.

According to him, “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 o 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.”

He bemoaned the attacks by bandits on 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”, Senator Sani said.

Sani observed that the forests where the terrorists hold sway are not impregnable, adding that, “a comprehensive operational plan, executed with high sense of professionalism and responsibility, total commitment on the part of our security forces and the support and cooperation of the local communities will rid Kaduna State forests of these murderous elements.”

On his part, Senator Danjuma La’ah, said if the security situation in the country is not nipped in the bud, political leaders would become the main targets of terrorists.

The Senate, accordingly, in its resolutions, urged President Muhammadu Buhari, to declare full-scale war against terrorists, so as to fully secure all our national territory from them in whatever guise.

It urged the Army and the Air Force to carry out sustained bombardment of terrorist enclaves with a view to flushing them out and restoring peace and stability to our communities.

The Senate further directed security agencies to always take steps to prevent the occurrence of similar incidence in the future.

It added that the Military should, as a matter of urgency, monitor the construction and inhabitants of new shanty buildings around the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja.

The chamber urged the relevant agencies of government to step up their information gathering mechanism to, forestall these incessant attacks.

The Senate, thereafter, held a minute silence to mourn the deceased in Monday’s attacks.