From Aminu Dalhatu (Kaduna)
Kaduna State government has expressed serious concerned over the video clips circulating on social media platforms in which citizens of a particular ethnicity are being massacred and their properties destroyed in parts of Nigeria.
In a statement by Governor Nasiru Elrufai says many citizens of Kaduna State have reached out to him as their governor to confirm the authenticity of the video clips.
According to the Governor, who alleged that, the incidents have the support of leaders of the places where the attacks have occurred says he was unable to confirm the authenticity of the video clips, but their impact on the peaceful coexistence of the people is a source of concern.
He called on all Nigerians living in the State to respect law and order and the rights of all citizens to live in peace and security wherever they reside or work.
Malam Nasiru Elrufai also appealed to his colleagues governing other States in the country to make similar statements, and disavow these attacks and massacres.
“We must avoid anarchy and vigorously promote the rule of law and the right of all citizens to life, liberty and livelihoods wherever they choose to reside. Elected and appointed public leaders across the country must act on their constitutional obligations to protect all citizens, uphold order, and contribute to a climate for peaceful resolution of all issue”.
“In Kaduna State, we are learning from decades of unfortunate and needless experiences. We have faced the tragic manifestations of the indigene-settler divide. This has been compounded by criminal activities that often have fatal consequences. But the victims of criminal actions like banditry and kidnapping in our state cut across all ethnic and religious groups. We have resisted the attempt to tar all members of any ethnic group for the criminal actions of some of their members” He added.
The Governor further revealed that, at all times, Kaduna State government has upheld the right of every citizen to live and pursue legitimate livelihoods wherever they choose.
“This is why we ordered the arrest of persons who issued an unlawful eviction notice to our citizens of a certain ethnicity in 2017. The impunity and calculated disregard for a common humanity that prompted such irresponsible rhetoric is sadly at play again”
Malam Elrufai emphasized that, It is time for governments and leaders at all levels to step in, exercise firm action, engage people and ensure that the responsibility these dire times demand are not derailed by those who only see opportunity for their own myopic agendas.
“We should not allow the criminal actions of insurgents and bandits to tear our country apart. We should not be seduced into the dangerous passion of blaming innocents, declaring them guilty of the crimes of others, evicting them, killing and destroying their property. In difficult times, we must uphold the right of everyone to live, with security and safety. The frenzy of ethnic labelling makes solutions difficult and can only guarantee disorder, violence and pain” the Governor concluded.