The National Spokesperson of the Middle Belt Forum, Luka Binniyat, has alleged that killings in Southern Kaduna intensified after money was allegedly paid to some individuals in 2016.
Binniyat made the allegation while speaking on a news programme, where he questioned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai’s alleged involvement in the security situation in the region.
He said a retired military general had already denied claims that he advised El-Rufai to identify those responsible for killings in Kaduna and pay them money.
According to Binniyat, the Middle Belt Forum’s concerns about possible complicity stemmed from the escalation of violence following the alleged payment.
“Why we think he’s complicit is because in 2016, after the money was paid, killings increased. It got to its peak,” he said.
Binniyat further alleged that the money may have been used to acquire weapons, which he said contributed to the escalation of violence.
“I believe they acquired this money and new weapons,” he added.
The Middle Belt Forum spokesperson’s comments come amid renewed public debate over the causes of persistent killings and insecurity in Southern Kaduna and the roles of political and security actors in addressing the crisis.
