Southern Kaduna crisis: Clerics set template for resolution •‘It is unfortunate we have Christian leaders who have failed to speak up’

OVER the past several weeks, attacks have persisted in Southern Kaduna, occasioned by a crisis between herdsmen and residents of various communities in the area, and in some reports, incidents of religious crises, sometimes involving the use of sophisticated weapons.

Interestingly, it is not the first time that Kaduna State would be embroiled in crisis. Following the increased attacks on  Christians in particular, which have gained global attention, some have advocated the need for Christians to defend themselves.

As varied reactions continue to trail the crisis, considering the repetitive nature of the attacks, clerics across the nation have suggested recommendations to tackle the particular situation in Southern Kaduna, as well as solutions for handling the issue of herdsmen clashes, to ensure lasting peace in Nigeria, and particularly, in Kaduna.

Government must take decisive action –PFN

President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Reverend Felix Omobude, in a statement made available to TribuneChurch on the organisation’s recommendations for handling the issue of herdsmen in general, while noting that the loss of lives was totally unacceptable, pointed out what would seem to be government’s attitude to the situation. He therefore called on government to take more decisive action to curtail the herdsmen from further perpetuating mayhem.

‘Cattle grazing should not be used as a cover-up to perpetrate violence’

The Secretary, Christian Youth Network for a Better Nigeria, Kaduna, Mr Simon Topa Ozigagu, speaking with TribuneChurch, called for strong military presence in the area.

According to him, “First and foremost, there must be strong military presence in that area. I’ve been to the chairman of the Southern Kaduna People’s Progressive Association and it was stated that the association had written to the government repeatedly. People in that area must be educated on what should be done. Herdsmen should be aware of boundaries when it comes to farmlands to prevent crisis. Grazing of cattle should not be used as a cover-up to perpetrate violence. If that is the case, we condemn it in totality.

“Setting up committees that in the end do not really come up with any meaningful solution is not helping matters. It was said that a police post has been established there but, is that enough? There should be military presence. However, what is most important is reorientation.

There is also the important issue of the proliferation of arms. When these crimes are committed, all sorts of weapons come into play. Where did these weapons come from? Our security personnel should be wellaware of what the situation on ground is and make efforts to thwart these crimes. There have been curfews, yet attacks take place, so we know curfews are not the solution. I would advise that no grazing reserves should be established in Southern Kaduna to prevent further crisis. Instead, they should take advantage of other available vast land in other parts of the North. There should also be a roundtable discussion with the leaders of the herdsmen on ways to move the cattle out of crisis-prone areas.”

Nigeria cannot afford religious war —Methodist Prelate

Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria (MCN), Most Reverend Samuel Uche, speaking with TribuneChurch on the controversial issue of Christians taking up arms, stated that, “We are organised in Nigeria and we are men of peace and honour. We are not belligerent or ferocious but we do not want to be pushed to the wall. That’s why we are warning because Nigeria cannot afford to have a religious war. That will be self-destruction; so, we are appealing so that we won’t get to that stage.”

The blood of the innocent will cry out for vengeance –Bishop Badejo

Bishop Emmanuel Badejo, of Oyo Catholic Diocese in a message, stated that “Justice also demands that our government attends to the grievances of our people promptly and equally wherever and whoever they may be – Igbo as well as Yoruba, Niger Deltans, as well as people in Southern Kaduna from where the outcry for help has been deafening but with scant reaction from the Federal government. Without this kind of equitable attention, peace will always elude us. All are God’s children and the blood of the innocent will always cry out for vengeance. We must save Nigeria from it.”

It is unfortunate that we have leaders who have chosen to ignore the situation —Bishop Williams

Bishop Kayode Williams of Christ Vessel of Grace Church, in his reaction, called on leaders across all sectors to be proactive in handling the issue.

“Leaders in all ramifications – government, religious, administrative, among others – must rise up to the occasion. We have treated the issue with levity and it is damaging the foundation of our nation. This is because the ongoing genocide has become so bad, but what goes round will come round. Christians who have treated the issue with levity or advising that people should treat the situation with kid gloves, should be aware that such positions will have repercussions. I hope that we will be honest.

“It is unfortunate that we have leaders in Christendom, who have chosen to ignore the situation on ground. I’m not sure why they cannot say the truth. The silence is a keg of gunpowder that the nation is sitting on and it will explode suddenly and consume the nation. People are suffering and dying in silence. The killings are too much. Our leaders, particularly Christian leaders, must wake up. Those, who refer to themselves as liberal Christians must rethink their positions and be alive to their responsibilities to speak up. Our leaders in all sectors must understand that this nation is one and act as such. We must be sincere about practising true federalism. Then, we are on the way to achieving peace.”

When did herdsmen begin to acquire arms? —Bishop Akinfenwa

Bishop of Ibadan Anglican Diocese, Most Reverend (Dr) Joseph Olatunji Akinfenwa, speaking on what should be the stand of the Christian community in the face of such crisis, stated that “In the first place, these herdsmen are from nowhere and from everywhere. Some have settled down in various parts of the country. It will be foolhardy if we begin to allocate grazing land. How much land is available? Only God understands the agenda of the herdsmen who attack communities and now giving them ‘special treatment’ is not right. What Chief Obafemi Awolowo proffered many years ago may just be the way to go. Restrict them to where they are. The demise of our rail system is wreaking so much havoc. A lot of goods can be shipped via rail. That was the suggestion of Chief Awolowo. Besides, when did herdsmen begin to acquire arms? There is more to this than meets the eye.”

Culprits must face justice —Revd Edwards

Reverend Achilles Edwards of My Father’s House, speaking with TribuneChurch, said: “I would recommend three things. First, the government must do the right thing. Those in positions of authority, whether in government or not, nursing plans to islamise the country must desist from such moves. Once that is done, we are well on our way to achieving peace in that area. Secondly, government must strictly monitor those who are guilty of inciting sermons or those who preach religious superiority, whether Christians or not, and caution them. Christ did not send us to preach religion but love. Thirdly, government must be honest about nipping the problem in the bud and ensure they bring perpetrators of violence to book. Whoever is found guilty must be made to face justice. This will discourage reprisal. Offenders haven’t been brought to book and as such, reprisal will continue. If these three points are followed, that area will experience lasting peace.”

Our leaders must be very sensitive to the issue —Bishop Ogundeji

Bishop of Egba West Diocese, Anglican Communion, the Right Reverend Samuel Ogundeji, in his advice for handling religious crises and herdsmen farmers clashes said that “I think there is something behind these attacks. I lived in the North for more than 35 years. Herdsmen did not carry guns. All they carry are sticks. Today, we see them carrying arms; where do they get then? I think there is more to it than grazing. Our leaders must be very sensitive to this issue. Why now? Today, they seem to be all over the place. I want to advise all Nigerians to be vigilant; otherwise, we may become fugitives in our fatherland.”