By Imam Dr Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa and Rev Dr James Movel Wuye
As the Commonwealth Peace Prize Recipient, given to series of contemporary issues happenings in our country that could have negative consequences on our national polity, we feel compelled to call for calm and restraint following a violent attack on civilians traveling back to their home State of Kano, when they were attacked by unscrupulous elements on their way to celebrate the Eid al-Fitr celebrations and holiday.
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; our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families of the victims, Kano State and entire citizens of Nigeria.
We equally condemn the killings in Bokkos, Plateau State and in Dutsen Bako in Kaduna State.
Based on our faith traditions we have been admonished to live by the tenets of our faith, 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 5:21-22 “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 these heinous acts to justice.
These actions portray our country in bad light amongst the comity of nations hence the ongoing moves by some countries classifying us as country of special interests or concerns. This action is going to lead to certain unpalatable consequences which will do us no good. It should be noted that there are ongoing efforts by local initiatives like ours and various other stakeholders to address these concerns.
We therefore call on all relevant government and stakeholders at all levels to continue to:
– Ensure continues enlightenment to the youth in and around the country, most especially among restive youth to avoid stereotyping and derogatory name calling of people along ethnic, region and religious lines which have in most cases have generate and escalates into violence.
– Support platforms for dialogue and reconciliation among communities in conflict, so to address the root causes of conflict and to sustain peace in communities.
– Strengthen early warning and response mechanism with adequate security measures in all vulnerable communities to prevent future occurrences.
– Ensure swift and decisive measures to ensure the safety and security of all citizens in our various communities and the country at large.
– We appeal for a comprehensive investigation into the various attacks in the country and hold those responsible accountable according to the laid down laws.
– We call on the relevant government agencies on the need to ensure that humanitarian assistance be giving to the victims and their families; including medical care, shelter and other immediate needs.
– We implore and solicit with our religious leaders and followers alike to continue to promote peaceful coexistence and allow the law to take its effect on the situation.
We are using this medium to call on 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.
We stand in solidarity with the victims of various attacks in Edo State and the recent attacks in Plateau, Kaduna States and other locations in the country to remain resolute, committed in working towards a future free from violence and chaos.
Signed:
Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye & Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa
Commonwealth Peace Prize Recipient
