Kano in Mourning After Sons of Islamic Scholar Killed in Benue
Widespread outrage has followed the killing of two Kano-bound travellers, Jamilu Ahmad and Barhana Suleiman, by gunmen at Agan settlement in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
The victims, both sons of prominent Kano-based Islamic scholar Ibrahim Khalil, were reportedly passing through Makurdi on Monday evening when they were attacked and killed. The incident has ignited palpable tension in Kano State and sparked strong reactions from both state governments.
Their remains were buried at Gudu cemetery in Abuja after a Janazah prayer at the National Mosque, attended by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia strongly condemned the killing, calling it “barbaric and unacceptable”. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, Alia ordered the arrest of the perpetrators.
“Benue people are known for their hospitality and peaceful disposition. We cannot allow some criminal elements to tarnish our image and create a contrary image for our people,” Alia said.
“These criminals MUST be fished out immediately and made to face the full wrath of the law.”
Kula confirmed that five suspects have already been arrested in connection with the incident.
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf vowed to pursue justice for the slain youths.
“This government will not rest until justice is served,” Yusuf said in a statement by his spokesperson, Bature Dawakin Tofa.
“We call for calm and restraint as we work closely with security agencies at all levels and the Benue State Government to bring the murderers to justice.”
The killings come amid rising violence in Nigeria’s North-Central region.
