Garaku killings: ‘Perpetrators must be brought to book’

From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

Destruction, wanton killings, maiming and destabilization of public order was what characterized Garaku Community of Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State during the House of Assembly Primary election of All Progressives Congress (APC) last week.

The incident, which left 4 people dead and many others wounded, was confirmed by the State Police Spokesman, Ugochukwu Theodore.

Investigation revealed that while delegates for the election involving three contestants were ready to be ushered into the voting arena, the ward party chairman deliberately held on to the delegate list which was in favour of a particular candidate Hon. Daniel Ogazi.

In an attempt to manipulate the primaries, it was alleged that supporters loyal to  Hon. Daniel Oga Ogazi, who were dressed in white,  were brought into the polling unit while other delegates were denied entry into the arena, a move that was resisted by supporters loyal to Hon Silas Douji and a lady contestant.

In the confusion that followed, 2 Hilux buses carrying soldiers armed to the teeth appeared from nowhere and started to shoot sporadically into the crowd on the order of one captain, whose name was not disclosed

At the last count, no fewer than 4 persons were killed while over 10 others sustained various degree of injury and were taken to Nageri hospital in Keffi.

 The presence of other security people was undermined by the blood testy soldier men deployed to carry out the hatchet job.

In an interview with Hon Douji on behalf of the   contestants, whose supporters were victims of the brutality, he stated that “we withdrew from the contest because of the danger and confusion, and we made official report to the palace”.

The following questions agitating the minds of people are begging for answers: Who authorized the deployment of soldiers to Garaku that fateful day and from which military command or unit?

The so-called winner of the election in question, Daniel Oga Ogazi, the APC Chairman of Kokona Local Government and the captain and leader of the soldiers that carried out the operation should explain to Nigerians where they derive such power of impunity from.

“It is not enough confirming the death at the APC Primary election. The Nigeria Police especially Nasarawa State Command, should step into the matter and come out with a report.

“Less than 100 days to the general elections, there is a need for political players, be they leaders, followers, or elective office seekers to play according to the rule of the game”, he stated.