NAN-H-21
Killings
Lagos, Jan. 12, 2017 (NAN) The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) in Lagos has urged religious leaders across the country to advise their faithful to desist from making statements capable of worsening the already tense situation in Southern Kaduna.
Mr Ehi Omokhuale, Lagos State Chairman of CLO, said on Thursday in a statement that only speeches that would foster peace and unity were needed in such a situation.
Recurring clashes between Fulani herdsmen and southern Kaduna residents have left many people dead.
Gov. Nasir El-Rufai said the attackers were herdsmen from neighbouring countries, who had returned to avenge attacks on their relatives and livestock back in 2011.
Omokhuale said, “I call on religious leaders to talk to their faithful; volatile statements by such leaders should stop at this point in time.
“Prayers for the repose of the dead, unity and security for the citizens is what should be supreme.
“Political leaders should also talk to their loyalists since the crisis is traced to 2011 post-election violence so as to avoid it escalating by religious coloration.’’
The activist also called for the prosecution of all arrested suspects in the killings to send warning signals to others.
“Life is a precious gift from God; no man on earth has the right whatsoever to take another man’s life.
“Nigeria is a country where rule of law is upheld, and so, the suspects must face the full wrath of the law. There should be no sacred cow,’’ he said.
The activist called on all sides to obey government curfew and other laws for the sake of peace.
He suggested that religious groups should seek permission beforehand to hold public gatherings or procession of any sort to avoid misinterpretation. (NAN)
LED/BOLA/SOA
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Edited by Bola Akingbehin/Oluwole Sogunle