TOP officials of the ruling party are joining the fray in calls for prompt investigation into the recent spate of abductions, torture and killings in the country, culminating in the daylight abduction and killing of a senior opposition cadre.

Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, the CCM secretary general, told senior journalists in Dar es Salaam yesterday that the incidents threaten the nation’s peace and unity, and those carrying them out are enemies of the party.

He urged patience in reconciliation efforts with opposition parties and rejected Chadema’s ultimatum to President Samia Suluhu Hassan on the issue, meanwhile as the special police zone command in the city refused permit for a demonstration and rally preannounced by the opposition party for the weekend.

The top secretariat official said that individuals behind the abductions and killings of ordinary people and political cadres are sabotaging CCM.

“As the ruling party, this is a major concern for us. These individuals or groups could be from Chadema, CCM, the police force or elsewhere. Let us all work together to expose them,” he appealed.

He recounted that Tanzania has been a model of unity for over 60 years of independence, underlining that the country is facing a difficult period, with peace and public security under threat.

“This is a serious issue and is central to the party's promise to protect people and their properties, “he stated, stressing that anyone threatening public safety is an enemy of CCM. “The party cannot associate itself with such malpractices.”

Reiterating his appeal for unity, he said that CCM views those involved in these acts as seeking to divide the country. “A good leader does not react under pressure but ensures that we all work together to end these incidents,” he further asserted. 

He said the secretariat was holding reconciliation meetings with opposition parties, expressing the desire to maintain positive relations between parties for the benefit of the country.

 “Anyone involved in the abductions and killings is clearly aiming to tarnish the party's image,” he declared, affirming that this is why the secretariat abhors these acts,” he added.

His remarks come at a time of rising tensions in the wake of the death of Ally Kibao, an opposition secretariat member, who was found dead last Saturday, after being abducted on Friday evening near Kibo Complex in Tegeta, northwards of Dar es Salaam.

He was travelling to his home in Sahare, Tanga Region aboard a Tashrif bus, then his body, showing severe injuries including facial trauma by a throw of acid, was discovered in the Ununio area in the vicinity the next morning.

President Samia condemned the brutal act and demanded a thorough investigation, as the development raised alarm among the public. In a joint statement, European Union (EU) diplomatic missions demanded a thorough investigation into the spare of abductions, torture and killing.