By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) has expressed deep concern over the alarming rates of banditry, abductions, and killings in the country.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, NIREC, led by Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, urged the President Bola Tinubu-led government to tackle the menace.
The statement, signed by NIREC’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua, highlighted recent incidents, including the killing of 13 farmers in Shiroro LGA of Niger State, the abduction of 150 persons in Gobir District, Sokoto State, and the gruesome murder of the District Head of Gatawa, Sokoto State.
“These spate of attacks within the window period of one week is very disheartening and of great concern,” the statement read.
“NIREC, therefore, calls on the government and security agencies to intensify their efforts to eradicate these menaces in our society so that citizens can go about their normal businesses without fear or apprehension.”
The council also commiserated with the families of victims and prayed for the safe release of those still in captivity.
NIREC urged all Nigerians to be cautious, vigilant, and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.