President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered immediate arrests and prosecution of sponsors of the Tiv/ Jukun communal crises in Benue states that has left several persons injured and houses burnt.
President Buhari who was earlier today in Jos , the Plateau state Capital in continuation of his presidential campaigns, charged security agencies to fish out the perpetrators, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of violence and charge them to court without delay.
In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President condemned the inter-communal violence between Tiv and Jukun communities in Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, said his government will no longer tolerate groups inciting hatred and violence against each other.
President Buhari expressed deepest sympathies and condolences to the people and the government of Benue State over the losses recorded following the incident and wished the injured speedy recovery.
The President reaffirmed that his government will not allow any group to incite hatred and violence against others, even as he commended the army, police and other security agencies for promptly bringing the violence to a quick end.
The President, while in Plateau, extended his heartfelt appreciation to the people of Plateau State, who turned out in their large numbers to welcome him in Jos, during his presidential campaign visit on Saturday
President Buhari also received some illustrious Plateau citizens who were crossing to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from other political parties, waved at the appreciative crowd, and left for Abuja.
The President lauds Plateau people for turning out in their thousands to welcome him into Jos, lining the roads right from the airport, defying the boiling sun.
He thanks them for their steadfastness over the years, and for continued faith in the administration, which was indicated by the turnout at the stadium.
President Buhari sues for greater restraint from teeming supporters and appreciative Nigerians in other campaign stops ahead, pleading that they allow the campaign programme run as planned, since it is also an opportunity for him to give a stewardship report.
“We have been serving you for about four years, we want another four years mandate from you, it is needful for you to allow us give you a report. You deserve it,” the President says.
Campaign visits resume on Monday, as President Buhari is resolved to get to all parts of the country, before the February 14 deadline.
Tony Ailemen, Abuja
