Senator Kabiru Marafa, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has urged the Zamfara State Government to apprehend those responsible for the killing of his associates.

Marafa alleged that his associates were killed by members of the Community Protection Guards, CPG, and not due to a confrontation with other individuals.

In a statement, Marafa stated the need for justice to prevail, saying Alhaji Mogaji Lawali’s death should not be in vain.

“While I welcome the good news from the Zamfara State Government through the office of the Secretary to the State Government to conduct a holistic investigation into the incident that led to the death of Alhaji Magaji Lawali, my associate, I reject the claim that he died during a confrontation or skirmishes between some groups or persons.

“It’s pertinent to commend the state government for coming up with the Community Protection Guards (CGP) to tackle the insecurity in our state, but the government must do everything possible to rid the outfit of bad characters, criminals and agents of darkness,” Marafa stated.

He commended the state government for initiating an investigation into the incident but expressed concern over the attempt to alter the circumstances surrounding the killings.

Marafa criticized the government’s statements, which initially described the incident as a confrontation between the CPG and members of the banned Yansakai group.

“In spirited efforts to change the narratives, the state government issued two statements in less than 24 hours, claiming that the deceased died during the confrontation.

“First, it was a Press Statement from the office of the SSG dated 13th February 2024 and another one was issued by the state Commissioner of Information and Culture dated February 14, 2024.

“In the first statement, they claimed that the recent confrontation between members of the community Protection Guards and some elements of the banned Yansakai group in Tsafe Local Government Area. This incident tragically resulted in the death of one individual. The government is fully cognizant of the skirmish between the two factions.

“In the second statement issued by the Zamfara state Commissioner of Information and Culture today, February 14_ “ZMSG condemned CPG/Yansakai classes in TSAFE, constituency. The Government again referred to the incident as a clash between two groups.

“The two releases are nothing but a desperate effort to change the narratives of what happened,” he added.

He called for a thorough and unbiased investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible for the crime.

The senator also urged the government to ensure that the CPG is free from individuals with criminal intent, stating the importance of providing security without engaging in political vendetta or witch hunts.

He called on the state government to address the issue transparently and bring the perpetrators to justice.