Atiku condemns killings in Benue,Rivers,Kaduna, says Nigeria’s diversity, its strength

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar

Former Vice President and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has described as unacceptable, the cycle of blood-letting that led to the loss of innocent lives in some parts of the country last week.

He stated this Wednesday against the backdrop of recent killings in Rivers, Kaduna, Benue and other parts of the country including the Wednesday early morning suicide bombing at Gamboru Mosque in Borno State, barely three days into the New Year.

The Waziri Adamawa, according to a statement by his media office in Abuja said the killings in those states, and other senseless killings and reprisal blood-lettings that preceded them in the past across the country are “Ungodly, a throwback to the stone age, and a hindrance to the promotion of peace and unity in the country.”

Atiku stressed that the diversity of Nigeria remains one of its strongest points, reminding leaders of all faiths and at all levels to ensure that they promote the things that unite us rather than those that create divisive cleavages.

“That the Almighty God in his wisdom made us a nation of different tongues and tribes; made us Africa’s most populous nation with more than 300 tribes is no accident. If well enhanced, our diversity should be our biggest strength.

“There cannot be development when innocent lives are being lost in a seeming endless cycle of attacks and reprisals. While we should hold every life precious, it is more painful that the victims of these attacks are women and youths – the demography that we depend upon to drive development,” he added.

He urged Nigerians to use the opportunity of the New Year to resolve to live in peace and harmony.