In a stark contrast to the message of peace and goodwill preached by national leaders during the Christmas season, bandits struck at Gidan Abe, a community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, leaving residents in dismay.
The incident occurred on Saturday at about 5:23 p.m. when a man riding a motorcycle was intercepted by armed bandits on motorcycles.
The victim had just purchased foodstuffs, drinks, and condiments from Katari market to prepare for Christmas celebrations in his village.
According to a local community leader, the assailants blocked the man on the road, forcibly seized the items, and fled the scene.
The victim was unharmed and not abducted, but the loss of the food items has cast a shadow over the festivities in the affected community.
“Just this morning, I received information at Katari village where I went to see someone that some bandits on motorcycles snatched foodstuffs from a man on a motorcycle who was on his way to Gidan Abe village for Christmas,” the community leader said.
The spokesman for the Kaduna State Police Command, ASP Hassan Mansur, was yet to confirm the incident as of the time of filing this report.
…. Tinubu, Governors Call For Peace, Unity
Amid such incidents of insecurity, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other political leaders emphasized the need for peace, unity, and compassion in their Christmas messages.
President Tinubu described Christmas as a reminder of the triumph of light over darkness, urging Nigerians to embrace the spirit of the season to support one another and foster hope.
“It is a poignant reminder that light can emerge even in the darkest times, bringing solace and hope,” the president said. “Kindness transcends financial status. Those with modest means and those with abundance need a smile or a word of encouragement.”
He called on Nigerians to renew their faith in the nation’s progress, assuring them that the country was on a path to restoration.
Other leaders, including Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajuddeen and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing prayer, hope, and national rebirth during this critical time.
State governors also used the occasion to address the challenges facing their communities.
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq urged residents to reflect on the lessons of Christmas and show kindness to one another.
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya emphasized the values of love and sacrifice, urging citizens to pray for the nation’s prosperity during difficult economic times.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed highlighted the teachings of Jesus Christ, calling for mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians.
Similarly, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri called on privileged individuals to share their blessings with the less fortunate.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) also weighed in, lamenting the challenges of insecurity and economic hardship, especially in the North.
The group urged Nigerians to pray for peace and security while calling for leadership rooted in justice and equity.
The incident in Kaduna serves as a stark reminder of the insecurity plaguing parts of the country, particularly in the North, even as leaders strive to foster a message of hope and unity.
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