Nasarawa Killings: APC condnms act, urges peace, unity in. Nasarawa

By David Okpashi

WORRIED by the spate of killings in some parts of Nasarawa state especially Karu Local government leaving about 50 persons reportedly killed , the rulling All Progressive Congress spokesperson in Nasarawa state, Chief Otaru Douglas has called for calm and advocated for sustained peace among the warring parties in the current wave of killing in the state.

Chief Otaru said there was urgent need for the communities at the centre of the prevailing crisis to eschew rancour in view of the lives and properties being lost and increased insecurity arising from the alleged attacks by suspected herders in Gitata area of Karu LGA.

The APC Chieftain then cautioned against acts that would threatened the peaceful coexistence in the state just as he observed that government efforts were being sabotaged at the slightess provocation.

Speaking with journalists in Lafia on monday, the image maker of the ruling APC lauded the efforts of state Government for its proactive response to stem the situation and called on the parties involved, residents in the affected communities to avoid taking the laws into their hands.

He enjoined the residents not to work against security agencies from carrying out investigations to unravelled those behind the killings.

“The situation is uncalled for. It is a calculated attempt to truncate the peace we are enjoying in the state all in an attempt to create political and religious tension.

Youths are advised to remain law-abiding, cooperate with the security agencies by providing relevant information and resist the temptation of being used as agents of destruction capable of aggravating the tensed situation in the state”..

“No nation thrive in an atmosphere of rancour and instability, youths must avoid being used by the agents of destruction .
Nasarawa belongs to all of us and we must leave within the confines of peaceful coexistence, unity and sustainable development,’’ Otaru stated.

“The state Government under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi A. 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”. He stated.

While condemning what he described as callous, unwarranted, barbaric and senseless killings, Chief Otaru Douglas noted with regrets that in the past, communities, tribes regardless of religious beliefs, ethnic differentials 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 opinion and beliefs? We must not sacrifice the relative peace being enjoyed currently”, the APC Chieftain advised.

*Those fanning the embers of war, working against the unity and development of the state must have a rethink and shealth their sword, embrace peace in Nasarawa in the face of any provocation”.

According to him, Nasarawa 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 development.

While observing that there was nothing unusual for tribes, communities having disagreements, Otaru cautioned however that such disagreements must not be allowed to degenerate to loss of lives and wanton destruction of properties in the state.

“Communities, religious organization and ethnic groups should not forget that no individual or groups are bigger than Nasarawa state”.

He urged religious leaders, community leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to rise to the challenge of inculcating the right values on their subjects adding that it was by so doing that the yearngs for peace and development in the state can be realized.

“The overall interest of the state and its citizens must remain paramount in Nasarawa state. We do not have another state we can call our own, everything must be done to ensure safety of lives and property of the people”, Chief Douglas Otaru declared.