… Warns against tak laws into your hands”
Daniel Atori & Mairo Allawa
Chairman, Niger state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna has called on various tribes in Agwara and Borgu local government areas to sheath their swords and put an end to the destruction, maiming and killing, saying “nobody should take the laws into their hands”.
It should be noted that the clashes and killings between the Kambaris, Fulanis and Bargawa tribes have claimed many lives and rendered several homeless in the Borgu Emirate.
The Clergyman’s appeal is coming following the recent clashes that have claimed dozens of lives and rendered hundreds homeless in Borgu Emirate of Niger state,
While disclosing that the various tribes have lived together peacefully for decades, he blamed the attacks on those who have infiltrated their communities from other countries.
Most Rev. Yohanna who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese in a statement titled: Message of Peace and Unity, made available to newsmen on Tuesday appealed to various tribes not take the law into their hands but allow the government to act.
Accordingly, he said “as a major stakeholder and one who would choose peace and togetherness over crisis, I strongly appeal to all the tribes which include Kambari, Fulani and Bargawa to remain calm and stop the fighting and killing.
“We have lived peacefully for decades and I can only appeal to you all not to allow the bad eggs who have infiltrated our peaceful communities to cause disaffection amongst us.
“I reject and condemn any form of crime either by destruction, maiming or killing. Let us not take the law into out hands”.
Subsequently, he charged the people to work with security agents so as to weed out bad actors especially those working as informants rather than fighting each other.
While calling on vigilante groups, youths and the ethnic groups to sheath their swords, Bishop Yohanna appealed for calm saying, all grievances be channelled through the appropriate quarters.
According to him “let us embrace peace, I believe the government, security agencies and well meaning individuals can handle the situation and bring lasting calm.”
He then appealed to the Emir of Borgu, Alhahi Muhammed Hakiru Dantoro to set up peace and conflict resolution committees to help the different ethnic groups talk and solve problems fairly.
Furthermore, he commended President Bola Tinubu and Governor Umaru Bago for their roles in ensuring security is beefed up in Agwara and Borgu communities.
