The Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev Dr Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has urged Kambari, Fulani and Bargawa communities in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State to sheath their swords and end the cycle of killings, destruction and displacement.
The bishop, who is also the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Niger State, said continued violence among the communities could destroy the peaceful coexistence they had maintained for decades.
His appeal followed recent clashes in parts of the Borgu Emirate which claimed several lives and rendered hundreds of residents homeless.
In a statement titled “Message of Peace and Unity” made available to journalists on Tuesday, Yohanna condemned the violence and appealed to residents not to take the law into their own hands.
According to him, “As a major stakeholder and one who would choose peace and togetherness over crisis, I strongly appeal to all the tribes which include Kambari, Fulani and Bargawa to remain calm and stop the fighting and killing”
“We have lived peacefully for decades, and I can only appeal to you all not to allow the bad eggs who have infiltrated our peaceful communities to cause disaffection amongst us.
“I reject and condemn any form of crime either by destruction, maiming or killing. Let us not take the law into our hands.”
The cleric blamed the worsening tension partly on the activities of people he described as infiltrators from outside the communities, urging residents to unite against criminal elements rather than turning against one another.
He called on youths, vigilantes and members of the affected ethnic groups to cooperate with security agencies and provide useful information to help identify informants and other actors fuelling the violence.
Yohanna urged residents to channel their grievances through the appropriate authorities, warning that retaliation would only prolong the crisis and expose more innocent people to danger.
“Let us embrace peace. I believe the government, security agencies and well-meaning individuals can handle the situation and bring lasting calm,” he stated.
The cleric also appealed to the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammed Hakiru Dantoro, to establish peace and conflict-resolution committees to provide a platform for the different ethnic groups to dialogue, address grievances and resolve disputes fairly.
The bishop commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, for their efforts to strengthen security in Agwara and Borgu communities, while urging all stakeholders to intensify efforts to restore lasting peace in the affected areas.
Sheathe your swords” — Bishop Yohanna tells Kambari, Fulani, Bargawa communities