Kasuwar Magani: ACF expresses worry over incessant communal clashes in the North

THE Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has said it was saddened with the spate of communal clashes in some parts of the North and in particular the recent one in Kasuwan Magani village, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The communal reprisal clash over simple disagreement with its consequent loss of lives and destruction of property is most unfortunate and condemnable, the forum noted.

In a statement issued to the Nigerian Tribune on Monday and signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the forum, Alh Muhammad Ibrahim Biu said communities that have lived together peacefully over the years should refrain from such avoidable violent conflicts that in most cases also destroy trust and harmony among communities, which is not helpful.

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It observed that ‘Threats to our peace as one united people and a region over the years have affected our peaceful coexistence, unity, polity and socio-economic development.

“We must, therefore, come together and stop this unfortunate and condemnable carnage that does no one any good. Reprisal attacks are certainly not the best way to resolve disputes.

ACF, therefore, called upon the warring communities in Kajuru and in other states to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue in resolving their disagreements.

“Leaders of the various communities should also play a greater role in ensuring that peace and harmony are restored in the affected areas.

ACF also urges the Security Agencies to swing into action and not only fish out the criminals who perpetrated these dastardly acts but also ensure that they face the wrath of the law to serve as deterrence to others.

‘The Police and Judiciary should, therefore, fast-track its investigating and prosecuting processes, as justice delayed is justice denied.

“ACF also commends the prompt intervention of the Security Agencies in the Kasuwan Magani crisis and its spill over to other parts of Kaduna and urges them to sustain surveillance in the areas until normalcy is restored.

ACF equally commends the Kaduna State Government for imposing 24hour curfew in Kaduna and environs to stop further escalation of the crisis.

‘We urge the Government to strengthen its peacebuilding process by engaging the leaders of the affected communities and other stakeholders in finding an endurable peace in the Kaduna State.