The Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA)
has called for the immediate sack of service chiefs in the country over the
killings of innocent Nigerians by herdsmen.
The youths said the inability of
the Federal Government to end the perceived ethnic cleansing and secure lives
and property of Nigerians, which is its primary responsibility, was an
indication that it had lost ideas and capacity to protect the territorial
integrity of Nigeria.
Speaker of the Assembly, Hon.
Mohammed Salihu, in a statement, on Monday, asked President Muhammadu Buhari,
to quickly replace the service chiefs with more competent and resourceful
officers that would be sincere and apolitical in handling the delicate security
issues.
Salihu informed the president
that the Assembly has unanimously resolved to withdraw its support for him and
his political party in the 2019 general elections, if the killings continue
unabated.
He observed, “It began in Benue
state. It then spread to Zamfara, Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna and Plateau state
where suspected Fulani herdsmen, few days ago, invaded communities of Barkin
Ladi, Riyom and Jos South LGAs, killed over 86 people and destroy houses.
“We strongly suspect high level
conspiracy in the entire fight against insecurity. Of what use are our fighter
jets, ground military strength, police forces, naval forces, civil defense
corps, DSS and others?”
The youths solicited the support
of the Christian and Muslim leaders, as well as other religious bodies in the
search for peace in troubled locations in Nigeria, instead of statements that
promote disunity.
The youths thus declared July 10,
as National Day of mourning for the victims.
It suggested a combined Muslim
and Christian prayer session to be held at a venue to be decided in Abuja.
The reaction of AYA is quite commendable and suggests hope for a united Nigeria.
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