The Kaduna State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Malam Nasir el-Rufai yesterday called for thorough investigation of killings occurring in Southern Kaduna since 2011.

el-Rufai who was speaking to newsmen regarding his meeting with the team of investigators from National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said there is need for an independent, high-powered commission of inquiry to investigate the whole mystery regarding the killings.

He called for the prosecution of any person found culpable for the killings.

He further argued that instead of sincere condemnation and quest to contain the killings, those manipulating religion for political power are presently exploiting the situation as basis for consolidating power.

el Rufai said, “I have said it and will continue to say it loud and clear. I will not say a lie because I want votes but the fact remains that I will never tolerate such killings as a governor. I cannot sit down and see our citizenry being slaughtered in their sleep.

“That is why I made my position clear last week. For over 4,000 people to be killed without a single arrest or prosecution shows there is insensitivity and negligence on many sides.”

It is the same thing happening in the Birnin-Gwari and Giwa areas where robberies and cattle-rustling are taking lives and property.

“There is urgent need for an independent, high-powered commission of inquiry to carry out thorough investigations. The commission should comprise national and international security agencies. We cannot be groping in the dark while such criminality and desecration of human lives is going on without seeking to crush such evil.

“It is important because there are all kinds of mischievous and politically motivated conspiracy theories being advanced for political exploitation.”

el-Rufai, who reiterated his stand against political violence, said, “I am deeply committed to non-violent politicking. I have never supported violence; it is against my principle and conviction. Politics is not a do or die matter. For us, politics is about service and how to make Kaduna state great again. We value social justice, good governance and real development. We seek to build a state where togetherness and harmony will abound.”