We won't succumb to the threat of terrorism - -Presidency

The Presidency has vowed not to succumb to the threat of terrorism despite the continued violence being unleashed on parts of the country by suspected terrorists.

The Presidency made the pledge in its reaction to the Saturday attack on the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, which left four people dead.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati stated this in a statement, late on Sunday.

Abati said, “While we reiterate our determination to address all genuine grievances in the national polity, we want to emphasise that the Federal Government of Nigeria will not succumb to the threat of terrorism and utter disregard for human lives by purveyors of violence.”

He promised that the government would ensure that all criminal elements were brought to book.

He added, “The unfortunate incident, which led to the regrettable death of three persons, including three of his security guards and his driver underscores the continuing need for collective vigilance to defeat the scourge of terrorism which has crept into our environment.”

Also, the Nigeria Labour Congress has called for a reorganisation of the security system following the increasing incidence of militant attacks in the country.

The NLC acting General Secretary, Mr. Chris Uyot, who was reacting to the attack on Bayero, said the increasing activities of the violent groups had exposed the claim by the Federal Government that the security situation was under control.

Uyot said the attack put a question mark on the effectiveness of the security agencies in rising to the challenge posed by the militant groups.

He said, “The attack on the convoy of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, a few days ago, has once again questioned the efficacy of security in the country and brings to the fore the urgent need for the reorganisation of Nigeria’s internal security system as violent militant activities seem to be growing in strength by the day.

“Kano, being a major industrial city in the northern part of the country, is very strategic to the Nigerian economy and polity, and should therefore not be allowed to be held hostage by violent groups.”

Meanwhile, the National leader of the Congress for Progressive Change, Maj.- Gen. Muhammadu Buhari(retd.), has condemned the attack.

Buhari, in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Fashakin, on Monday, said it was unfortunate that Nigerians were not safe in the country.

Buhari said, “The portent of this latest security challenge is: the Nigerian state is not just under an ominous cloud of insecurity but all the citizens (under the nation space) are also victims. This is indeed one attack too many!”

Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has commiserated with the Emir on the attack.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs. Funmi Wakama, the governor described the attack as unfortunate, “especially coming at a time when the monarch is collaborating with Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso to bring enduring peace to the state.”

Also, Governor Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State has urged the public to cooperate with security agents to arrest those behind the attack on the monarch.

His Director-General, Media and Publicity, Ahmed Maiyaki, said this in a statement in Kaduna.

Former Governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki, said the attack on Bayero, indicated that no one was safe in the country any longer.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications, Akintoba Fatigun, the former governor said the security challenges in the country had taken a new dimension.