By Maryam Diallo
As the Commonwealth Peace Prize Recipient, we hereby today issued a strong call for calm and restraint following a violent attack on innocent civilians while traveling back to their home state of Kano, where they were attacked on their way to Kano for the Eid al-Fitr holiday and celebrations.
We are deeply saddened and condemn in the strongest possible terms the senseless attack and the resultant loss of innocent lives, with those that survived reported injured and property destroyed; our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families of the victims and Kano State entirely.
Based on our faith traditions we have been admonished to live by the tenets of our belief as humans created by the Almighty as enshrine in our holy Books:
Quran 5:32: “…whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely…”
Matthew 5:21-26 – 21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.”
Violence is never the answer, and it only serves to further destabilize our communities and exacerbate existing tensions. We urge all parties to exercise utmost restraint and refrain from any actions that could escalate the situation. It is crucial that we allow the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice.
We therefore call for all relevant government and stakeholders at all levels to continue to:
– Enlighten our youth in the country, most especially among restive youth to avoid stereotyping and derogatory name calling of people along ethnic, region and religious lines that have always generated and escalate into violence.
– Enhance platforms for dialogue and reconciliation among communities to address the root causes of conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.
– Strengthen early warning and response mechanism with adequate security measures in vulnerable communities to prevent future occurrences.
– Ensure swift and making decisive measures to ensure the safety and security of all citizens in our various communities and the country at large.
– Call for a comprehensive investigation into the attack and hold those responsible accountable according to the laid down laws.The need to assist with humanitarian assistance to the victims and their families, including medical care, shelter and immediate needs.
– Religious leaders and followers alike should continue to promote peaceful coexistence and allow the law to take its effect on the situation.
We are using this medium to all stakeholders, most especially religious leaders/institutions, community leaders, media, women and youth groups, and all community members to work together to continue to create awareness in promoting understanding, harnessing the potential of our diversity for sustainable peace. Let us not allow this act of violence to divide us but rather strengthen our resolve to build a more peaceful and just society for all Nigerians from all the 6 regions of the country.
We stand in solidarity with the people of Kano State and remain committed to working towards a future free from violence and chaos.
Signed:
Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye & Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa
Commonwealth Peace Prize Recipient
