Re: Southern Kaduna crisis not religious

The recent call by the Minister of Interior, Lt. General Abdulrahman Dambazau, has gladdened my heart. The minister appealed to religious leaders not to associate the Southern Kaduna crisis with religion or clash between herdsmen and farmers. The appeal, which appeared on page 5 of the Daily Trust newspaper of January 4, 2017 with the […]

The recent call by the Minister of Interior, Lt. General Abdulrahman Dambazau, has gladdened my heart. The minister appealed to religious leaders not to associate the Southern Kaduna crisis with religion or clash between herdsmen and farmers. The appeal, which appeared on page 5 of the Daily Trust newspaper of January 4, 2017 with the above headline, moved me to tears.  

Many people have associated the atrocious killings in Southern Kaduna with political interests, as well as religious leaders’ negligence and intolerance. Personally, I think there is a determined effort to tarnish the image of Governor Nasir el-Rufai. 

Also, religious intolerance is being inculcated in the hearts of some people across the region. It is important to know that the two major religions in Nigeria are against extrajudicial killings.

It is only in the animal world that violence is a norm; it is not acceptable among humans. Why do we kill our brothers and sisters? It is a crime before God and humanity to kill our fellow human beings. God our creator does not approve that. Remember, we shall all give account of our actions before our creator on the Judgement Day.

Unfortunately, religious intolerance has also translated to ethnic hatred. Sadly, politicians have hijacked the situation for personal gains. And the truth is that as long as the federal government and the government of Kaduna State continue to handle the issue with kid gloves, it will definitely become more devastating.

It is a fact that political leaders, traditional rulers and religious organisations play important roles in the lives of their followers; therefore, Governor Nasir el-Rufai, in collaboration with the federal government, should invite political and religious leaders, traditional rulers, as well as religious organisations and charge them to bring the crisis to an end. They can do it if they are determine to do so.  

Mustapha Baba wrote from Azare, Bauchi State.   [email protected]