The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) councilorship candidate in Pari Ward of Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Mr Raymond Timothy and his brother, James Timothy have been killed by bandits.
While confirming the incident, Barnabas Chawai, a PDP chieftain in the Local Government Area said the brothers were killed on Sunday while returning from a political campaign in Kizachi Village of Pari Ward, Kauru Local Government Area.
“They were shot and killed on their motorcycle,” he said, alleging that the killing could be politically motivated.
He called on security agencies to find the perpetrators and bring them to book, saying “drastic measures need to be put in place to forestall further occurrence as we approach the October 19 local government poll.The victim ledt three children and the wife was pregnant and expecting a fourth child,” he said.
Secretary to the Village Head of Kizachi, John Wanneh, said they were together with the victim at around 6 pm and parted ways for him to return home to Bakin-Kogi.
“It was not more than 10 to 15 minutes when we parted ways that we heard gunshots around some guinea corn farms.Honestly, we cannot be able to say who are those that committed this crime or say the killing was connected to politics or not.We are appealing to the government to help construct a bridge and road for easy accessibility in an emergency.”
“Security operatives cannot enter the village now because of the bad nature of the road and there’s a river which they cannot cross, that has been our situation for long,”he said.
The Kaduna State Police Command was yet to react to the incident.
Meanwhile, Senator representing Southern Kaduna Senatorial District, and chieftain of PDP Barrister Sunday Marshall Katung has condemned the killing of the two brothers in Kauru.
In a statement issued on Monday morning, Katung stated that he received an alarming report about the gruesome killing of Raymond Timothy Adai, a councilorship candidate for Pari Ward in Kauru local government area of Kaduna State, for the October 19th LGA Elections, and his younger brother, James Timothy.
“Mr Adai, a councillor candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and his younger brother were attacked and killed on Sunday evening, 29th September 2024, while on their way back from a political Campaign in Kizachi Village of Pari ward. More worrisome is the fact that Mr Timothy left behind a pregnant wife and three children.”
“I am saddened and appalled by this barbarity, which I condemn in its entirety. This ugly type of politics has no place in a civilised society like ours. It is unacceptable and must be rejected by all lovers of peace.
“The government’s primary responsibility is the security and welfare of its people; consequently, I wish to once again reiterate my previous call on the Government of Kaduna State to thoroughly investigate and address these recurrent security challenges in our State, especially in Kauru Local Government, to ensure that our citizens are well protected.”
“While appreciating the security agencies for their prompt response on all issues of this nature, especially in our Senatorial District, I wish to urge them to fish out the killers of these two brothers and subject them to the full process of the law.
“The only way we can avenge this gruesome murder is by ensuring that the perpetrators are found and made to face the consequences of their actions.’
“I also appeal to our citizens to provide helpful information to security agencies or traditional leaders to forestall acts like this. I extend my deepest condolences to Mr Raymond’s wife, his children, the entire Timothy family, the people of Pari ward, and the entire Kauru local government on this great loss.
“I stand in solidarity with their family while praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of our brothers.I remain steadfast in my commitment to work with all stakeholders and security agencies to achieve lasting peace in our communities,” he added.
Credit: Nigerian Tribune except headline
