The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has outrightly condemned the killings in Southern Kaduna and called for an end to the mayhem.
In a statement on Wednesday issued on his behalf by Secretary-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, the monarch alleged that the violence in the area is politically-motivated, adding that the violence had turned to ethno-religious conflict.
The Sultan condemned the inflammatory remarks by some political and religious leaders in the state, urging them to preach peace and love.
He, however, commiserated with the families of the victims and urged the government to be more decisive in solving the insecurity in the country.
The statement reads: “We strongly believe that the politically-driven crisis is being deliberately turned into an ethno-religious conflict of worrisome dimension.”
“Thus, we call for restraint from all parties. It should however be noted that ethno-religious conflict isn’t easily manageable, hence we must all rise to the occasion to forestall its recurrence in Kaduna State. It is often said that a stitch in time saves nine.
“We have nonetheless observed with dismay the unguarded utterances of some citizens, including elder statesmen, who through the print, electronic and social media are serving as conflict entrepreneurs in the already worsened situation.
“All hope should not be lost in tackling the matter. The government should do more, and whosoever is found wanting, should be brought to book.
“Nigerians are tired of the lingering crisis in Southern Kaduna, and by extension, the entire country.”
“Government must do everything possible to bring the fracas to an end, and change the narrative of violence to that of peace. It is time the culprits are identified and punished to serve as a deterrent.”
