- Safiu Kehinde
A BudgIT’s Project Tracking official, Mustapha Sadiq, has been attacked by suspected hoodlums in Katsina state.
The armed hoodlums reportedly stormed Sadiq’s residence in Katsina last week Saturday, inflicting severe injuries on him in the course of the attack.
This was made known in a statement issued on Friday by BudgIT’s Country Director, Vahyala Kwaga.
According to Vahyala, five men armed with machetes broke into Sadiq’s residence and inflicted severe injuries to his head and upper body before attempting to steal his vehicle.
The BudgIT boss condemned the attack which had since left Sadiq hospitalised.
While Vahyala expressed uncertainty over possible connection of the attack with the BudgIT official’s job, he however expressed concern over the severity of the incident.
“This was a deeply disturbing and unacceptable act of violence as seen in the gory pictures.
“While the attackers also attempted to steal his vehicle, they were unsuccessful, leaving Mustapha with serious injuries that required urgent medical attention.
“At this time, we are uncertain if the attack was connected to his professional and civic responsibilities of tracking public projects.
“However, the severity and nature of the incident raise serious concerns about safety and security within our communities. No individual should be subjected to such violence under any circumstances.” The BudIT boss wrote.
He disclosed that the organisation has filed a formal complaint with the Nigerian Police Force as it demanded thorough investigation into the incident.
BudIT also called on other appropriate authorities to take decisive actions towards protecting citizens.
It maintained that acts of this nature undermine public confidence and must not be allowed to persist without consequence.
“For the record, BudgIT is treating this matter with the utmost seriousness. We have lodged a formal complaint with the Nigerian Police and will engage relevant security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice.
“We expect a prompt, thorough and transparent investigation into this incident.
“We are also asking the police to explore if this has to do with his work of holding the government accountable in a very volatile environment and continuous challenges with the closing civic space.
“We also call on the appropriate authorities to take decisive steps to improve the safety and security of citizens and to respond swiftly to incidents of violent crime.
“Our thoughts are with Mustapha and his family at this difficult time. We wish him a full and speedy recovery and remain committed to supporting him as he recuperates.” The statement read further.