The residence of Rev Fr Emmanuel Okolo, a Catholic Priest, was raided by bandits on Thursday evening. Tragically, the entire rectory was set ablaze, resulting in the destruction of the property. Additionally, a seminarian, who was only a month away from completing his studies, lost his life in the incident.
Senator Katung expressed his deep sorrow and lamentation over the unfortunate occurrence of malevolence in the tranquil society.
I firmly denounce this abhorrent act of terrorism that resulted in the tragic loss of life of our youthful seminarian.
He stated that the justification or acceptance of terrorism and violence against innocent individuals should be unequivocally rejected and should not be normalized in our society.
In his perspective, the perpetration of a vicious and callous assault on communities who advocate for peace should not be permitted to persist.
I express my condolences to the families, friends, and the broader Catholic community in the Kaduna South Senatorial District and the entire State. I express my solidarity with the individuals residing in the Fadan Kamantan Kurama community and the Catholic Diocese during this distressing and challenging period," he said.
The individual asserted that the reemergence of acts of terrorism perpetrated by bandits on the Kaduna-Kachia Road constitutes a direct challenge to the federal government, specifically targeting the security agencies.
The individual made a plea to the security authorities, urging them to conduct a concentrated operation spanning a duration of one month within the forested areas around Southern Kaduna. The objective of this operation would be to diminish the capabilities and influence of the bandits and kidnappers operating within the region.
He said that anybody discovered to be assisting and facilitating criminal behavior should not be exempted from punishment.