BY EDMOND ODOK, ABUJA – Defeated Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 23 election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has condemned recent killings in some parts of Nigeria, describing it as portraying the nation in bad light.
He said these continuous killings will lead to the loss of investments and partners who are interested in the growth and development of the economy.
Speaking against the backdrop of recent killing of a British aid worker, Faye Mooney in Kaduna, Atiku decried the ugly development, insisting that these killings must end or Nigeria risk losing global friends, partners and investors
The former Vice President however said the United Kingdom (UK) should not use the killing of citizen Mooney to judge Nigeria’s character.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Atiku condemned the attackers’ actions as atrocious, and noted that it has unfortunately portrayed Nigeria in bad light before the international community.
“I want the government and people of the United Kingdom to know that these atrocious actions do not reflect Nigeria’s national character.
“I condemn the killing of British aid worker, Faye Mooney, and her Nigerian partner, Mathew Oguche two days ago in Kaduna State. Several other Nigerians were kidnapped during the episode”.
According to him; “These killings must end or Nigeria will lose desperately needed friends, partners and investors.
“Not only do I condemn this recent killing, but I make an urgent call for the federal and state authorities to track down the culprits and make them pay for their crimes.
“The time for empty rhetoric is long gone. Now is the time for urgent national action to stem insecurity. Nigeria must once again become synonymous with peace, progress and prosperity. This can only happen when crime and punishment are a natural cause and effect.”
The PDP candidate further stated that; “As long as there is impunity, our nation will lack unity and security. Impunity must end and must end in earnest. These crimes continue to reoccur because previous killings have not been met with justice”
The Waziri Adamawa urged Federal Government to not only track down the culprits for justice, but also keep the country safe for its citizens as well as foreigners coming in and out of Nigeria.
“We need to keep Nigeria safe for Nigerians and foreigners. The death of any Nigerian or foreigner from terror, crime or insecurity grieves my heart. Nobody’s life is worth taking to advance a religious, political or criminal cause”, he said
Gunmen had stormed a Holiday Resort last Friday in Kaduna, killing two people, including the Briton, and kidnapping three others.
The British High Commission in Nigeria confirmed the Briton’s death, and non-governmental aid agency, Mercy Corps gave her name as Faye Mooney, who is one of its employees in the country.
