Nigerians Have Shed Enough Blood – Buhari

 

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday lamented over the shedding of blood in Nigeria over issues that could be resolved peacefully.

The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, noted that Buhari stated this while reacting to the violence in Gombe State arising from the Billiri chieftaincy tussle.

The statement was titled, ‘Billiri chieftaincy tussle: President Buhari condemns violence, calls for maximum restraint to avoid escalation’.

Shehu quoted the President as expressing “great shock and deep concern” over the incident.

The President said, “I’m seriously disturbed by the outbreak of violence in Gombe State and call on the parties involved to exercise maximum restraint to avoid escalation.”

“The easy resort to violence is uncalled for because there are enough avenues to resolve differences amicably without threatening law and order.”

“In a circle of violence, there are no winners, except losers. Muslims and Christians should avoid the temptation of resorting to violence in order to express their grievances.”

“Nigerians have shed enough blood over issues that could have been peacefully resolved. I appeal to the two parties to sheathe their swords for the sake of peaceful coexistence. Gombe has enjoyed relative religious harmony for decades and you shouldn’t allow hoodlums to destroy this positive record.”

Recall that for about three days, women protested over the government delay in declaring the next Mai Tangale since the kingmakers completed the election involving three candidates.

The state Governor, Inuwa Yahaya had on Saturday said the curfew in the troubled area would persist, while suspending any further announcement of the substantive monarch.