Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has expressed grave concern over video clips circulating on social media platforms like WhatsApp in which citizens of a particular ethnicity are being massacred and their properties destroyed in parts of Nigeria.
The governor in a statement personally signed by him said this is coming amidst avoidable rhetoric, frenzied ethnic profiling and unlawful eviction of citizens from their places of domicile.
He added that many citizens of Kaduna State have reached out to him to confirm the authenticity of these video clips alleging that these incidents have the support of leaders of the places where attacks have occurred.
The governor said though the authenticity of the video clips could not be confirmed but their impact on the peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians is a source of concern.
He called on all Nigerians living in Kaduna State to respect law and order and the rights of all citizens to live in peace and security wherever they reside or work and also appealed to all governors to make similar statements, and disavow these attacks and massacres.
He said the nation 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 issues.
He said the experience in Kaduna State of learning from decades of unfortunate and needless experiences and tragic manifestations of the indigene-settler divide.
Mallam El-Rufai made a clarion call for all leaders to act on their constitional obligations and work to stop incitement, hateful rethoric and impunity.
He also urged government at all levels and security agents to rein in all non-state actors and protect all communities across the country.
He called for the arrest and prosecution of all those involved in criminal activities across the country while also urging all Nigerians not to allow insurgents and bandits to tear the country apart.
