Now Lugola retracts his statement on Njombe killings

Dodoma. The government on Monday, February 6, 2019 said the ongoing brutal killings of children in Njombe should not be connected with any ideology, belief or business activities.

Speaking in Parliament Home Affairs minister Kangi Lugola said doing otherwise would put at stake the innocent people and eventually escalating the tension.

Earlier reports showed that children were being killed and their body parts, including reproductive and respiratory organs used in witchcraft rituals because of superstitions that they can bring riches, success, power or sexual conquest.

In a quick rejoinder, Mr Lugola said: "All 29 people who are being held for questing over the matter in question are normal Tanzanians. They have nothing to do with religious beliefs, politics or trade," noted Mr Lugola.

He said while seven children under the age of 16 years have been killed, one was reported to have been injured.

He added that two were reported to have gone missing, but found later on.

Mr Lugola warned people who were using the advantage of the event (killings) to escalate tension by taking the past pictures from social media and spread them on the same (social media) and linking them with the killings in Njombe.

"I suggest that we calm down as the government is playing its role. We have launched investigation over the matter and we will ensure the culprits are brought to book," he said.

He explained that the government had sent a team of investigators to help security force in Njombe so that the matter in question (killings) could well be dealt with.

Mr Lugola further said that the government held a series of meetings with, among others, traditional healers and religious leaders.

Mr Lugola's remarks came hard on the heels of the directives by the National Assembly speaker Job Ndugai requiring the government to explain over the children killings.

On Monday (February 4) the speaker gave the government up to Friday, February 8, to issue a statement on what has actually fuelled the killings.

Mr Ndugai's statement  came after the Lupembe lawmaker, Mr Joram Hongole (CCM) stood up on a point of order basis and asked the speaker to allow the August House to suspend its business for the day, to pave the way for a debate on the brutal killings.

"The tension is high in Njombe. people are living in fear to the extent that they are no longer engaging in economic activities as women are required to escort their children to school," said Mr Hongole.