By Olugbenga Salami
Disturbed by the recent killings and destruction of properties in some parts of Nasarawa State especially Karu Local Government Area where over 50 people were reportedly killed, the chairman of Inter Party Advisory Council in the state, Hon. Cletus Ogah has appealed to the warring parties in the current crisis to eschew violence for a lasting peaceful co-existence.
Ogah, who said the appeal has become imperative in view of the prevailing insecurity arising from the alleged attack by suspected herders in Gitata community in the local government area, cautioned against truncating the prevailing peaceful environment in the state being sacrificed at slightest provocation.
The IPAC chairman, in a statement issued on Monday and made available to our correspondent, commended the state government for its proactive measures to curtail the situation and called on the parties involved, the residents in affected communities not to take laws into their hands so as not to jeopardize ongoing investigations by security agencies to unmask those behind the killings.
“The situation is uncalled for. It is a calculated attempt to truncate the peace we are enjoying in the state as well as to create political and religious tension. The youths must remain law-abiding; provide the security agencies with relevant information as well as not allowing themselves to be used as agents of destruction, and cause mayhem in the state.
“No society can thrive in an atmosphere of rancour and instability, and youths are prone to being used by the agents of destruction. Nasarawa belongs to all of us and we must continue to leave within the confined of peaceful coexistence, unity and development.
“The state government under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule is doing all within its powers to ensure that communities live in peace and harmony, as such we must complement the efforts of the government by living in peace with one another,” Ogah stated.
The IPAC chairman, while condemning what he described as unwarranted, barbaric and senseless killings, noted with regret that in the past, communities, tribes with different religious beliefs, ethnic differences and political inclinations were living in harmony with one another without rancour.
“What has brought us to this level of carrying arms against one another in the state when we are supposed to be more united, accept one another’s opinions and beliefs? We must not sacrifice the relative peace being enjoyed currently.
“Those singing the ember of war, working against the unity and development of the state must have a rethink and retrace their steps, embrace peace in Nasarawa in the face of any provocation,” he further appealed.
He, however, declared that the state cannot continue to be at war with one another, especially at this time that the present administration is stabilizing peace, progress and development of the state.
“What is needed now in Nasarawa State is for the residents to complement the efforts of the government by imbibing the spirit of tolerance and cohesion to move the state to other levels of development,” Ogah stated.
While observing that there was nothing unusual for tribes, communities having disagreements, he however, cautioned however that such should not be allowed to degenerate to loss of lives and wanton destruction of properties in the state.
He urged religious leaders, community leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to rise against ethnic and religious sentiments, and inculcate the right values on their subjects, “because it is by so doing that the yearning for peace and development can be realized.”
