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By Nath Gbaoron, Lafia.
Concerned by the sustained killings and destruction of properties in some parts of Nasarawa state especially Karu Local government where over 50 people have been reportedly killed , Chairman, Inter Party Advisory Council in the state, Hon. Cletus Ogah has appealed to the warring parties in the current crisis to eschew violence and sustain peace in the state.
Ogah who said the appeal has become imperative in view of the prevailing insecurity arising from the alleged attack by suspected herders in Gitata area of Karu LGA cautioned against truncating the prevailing peaceful environment in the state being sacrificed at the slightest provocation.
Speaking with journalists in Lafia on Monday, the IPAC Chairman 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, and enjoined the residents not to work against security agencies carrying out investigations 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, religious tension, 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. 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,’’ Ogah stated.
“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 leaving 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 leaving 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”, Ogah advised.
*Those singing the ember of war, working against the unity and development of the state must have a rethink and retrieve their steps, embrace peace in Nasarawa in the face of any provocation”.
According to the IPAC Chairman, 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, Ogah cautioned however that such disagreements should 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 is bigger than Nasarawa state”.
He urged religious leaders, community leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to rise against ethnic and religious sentiments, inculcating the right values on their subjects adding that it was by so doing that the yearning for peace and development 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”, Hon Ogah declared.