By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has stated that the rampant violence and killings in Southeastern Nigeria are not religiously motivated, but a conflict between Christians.
Speaking on the security crisis, Soludo emphasized that the perpetrators, who operate from remote camps, bear distinctly Christian names.
“In this part of the world, Eastern Nigeria, it is not religious,” Soludo said. “People are killing themselves, Christians killing Christians. The people in the bushes are Emmanuel, Peter, John, all Christian names, and they have maimed and killed thousands of our youths.”
The Governor’s comments come amidst broader discussions on national security and international partnerships.
He acknowledged the right of countries like the United States to have their views but stressed that any foreign assistance must be at the request of the Nigerian government and within the bounds of international law.
“Certainly, if Nigeria requests any assistance for the military, technology and hardware to deal with insurgency, then it is within Nigeria’s call,” he stated.
While calling for a deeper national conversation and introspection, Soludo expressed confidence in the Federal Government’s efforts, asserting that Nigeria is a large country and the government is “doing a whole lot to safeguard the country.