Banditry: Nigeria sliding into anarchy — Christian youths

. . . Make strong case for political solution

The Christian Association of Nigeria (Youth Wing) has expressed worry over the serial killings in the country, saying the nation is “sliding into anarchy”.

The organisation was reacting to the recent killing of over three traditional rulers in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, bomb attack on Abuja-Kaduna rail track and killing of over 43 persons in Guronyo weekly market in Sokoto.

Renowned peace advocate and national chairman of YOWICAN, Belusochukwu Enwere, said these in a statement titled, “YOWICAN condemns killing of monarchs in Imo, loss of lives and properties at Goronyo Market in Sokoto State and attack on the Kaduna-Abuja railway line”.

He therefore demanded that “the Federal Government should find political solution to the insecurity in the country.”

The Peace advocate said: “We condemn in totality the gruesome killings of over three traditional rulers in Njaba LG of Imo State where they are having meeting.

“This is not acceptable to Nigerians, no matter the tribe, religion and ethnicity. Traditional rulers are custodians of traditional institutions and culture.

“Imagine gunmen killing at least 43 people in an attack in Sokoto State. This started at a weekly market in Goronyo on Sunday and continued into Monday and many other killings in different parts of the country.

“Nigeria is faced and bedevilled by many security challenges, right now, particularly banditry, kidnapping and other associated crimes.

“Where are our leaders?  Nigeria is sliding into anarchy where religion, ethnicity, killngs and insecurity are spreading like wildfire.

“Christian and Muslim youths across the country and indeed Nigerians should pray hard against killers before we are all consumed. This is unacceptable and condemnable.

“We sympathize and condole with the government of Imo State, traditional rulers in the state and Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo.

“We  equally sympathise with the governor and government of Sokoto state, as well the Sultan of Sokoto and the entire communities and family that lost their loved ones during this sad event.

“This is sympathetic, pathetic and empathetic. Such ugly should incident should not repeat again.

“The government at all levels, traditional rulers, religious, men and women, youth as well as all and sundry should begin henceforth to preach and practice peace.

“Peace begins from our various families, schools, churches and mosque. This is the main reason there is need for peace summit as we are planning to bring all stakeholders to a roundtable to negotiate for peace in Nigeria.

“The Federal Government, states, religious and other business organizations should support this initiative.”