ABUJA – Sequel to the Monday crisis in Kaduna state, which reportedly left seven persons dead, the senate has warned religious and political leaders to advice their followers against making inflammatory comments capable of compromising the peace in the country.
Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu gave the warning at yesterday plenary following a motion on the crisis in Kaduna, by Sen. Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central).
Ekweremadu who commiserated with the Kaduna State government and families of victims, expressed concern over the alleged religious coloration of the violence.
He enjoined religious leaders to always preach about love, peace and unity of the country among their followers, pointing out that nothing instigated and escalated crisis more than inflammatory utterances.
“It is the duty of our leaders, both religious and political ones to preach to our people that we are one with one destiny and one God that we all serve. I am not aware of any religion that preaches killings.
There is no religion like that. We should try as much as possible not to encourage religious violence in the country”, he advised.
Earlier moving the motion on the violence, Sen. Sani lamented about escalating crises in the country, especially in Kaduna State where five to six people were killed and several houses burnt during the violence.
He attributed the Monday violence to some youths who took laws into their hands as a result of some religious issues.
“Unfortunately, violence is fast becoming a way of life in Nigeria as we wake up every day to hear about killings, kidnappings and others. There is need to put an end to all these. We need to ensure peace and unity in the country.
I would like to appreciate the security operatives who rose to the occasion by putting the violence under control”.
Meanwhile, the state governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai has directed the prosecution of all persons responsible for the mayhem, insisting that the security agencies must investigate the incident, arrest and make the perpetrators available for prosecution.
The governor, according to a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, gave the directive shortly after receiving preliminary report on the mayhem.
He explained that the government condemns the violence, and regrets the wanton loss of lives. He further disclosed that the government has expressed its sympathy to the victims and their families.
He said the government has directed the State Emergency Management Agency to take inventory of damages and provide relief materials with immediate effect.
