Atiku Condemns Recent Killings, Says Bloodletting Unacceptable

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar 

Former Vice President of Nigeria and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP chieftain,  Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the recent killings in some parts of the country, describing it as "unacceptable" and "circle of bloodletting that has led to the loss of precious lives across the country".

The former Vice President said this while reacting to recent killings in Rivers, Kaduna, and Benue states and other parts of the country including today's early morning suicide attack at Gamboru mosque in Borno state.

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A statement by his media office Wednesday January 3, 2018 said the killings in those states, and other senseless killings  and reprisal bloodletting that has preceded them in the past across "the country is ungodly, a throwback to the stone age, and a hindrance to the promotion of peace and unity in the country".

He stressed that the diversity of Nigeria remains one of its strongest points, and urged leaders of all persuasions and at all levels to ensure that they promote the things that unite us instead of the things that create division.

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The statement read: "There cannot be development when innocent lives are being lost in a seeming endless circle of attacks and reprisals. While we should hold every life as precious, it is more painful that the victims of these attacks are women and youths - the demography that we depend upon to drive development.

"That the Almighty in His Wisdom made us a nation of different tongues and tribes, made us Africa's most populous nation with more than 300 tribes is no accident. If well enhanced, our diversity should be biggest strength.

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He urged Nigerians to use the opportunity of the New Year to reflect in these needless killings and resolve to live in peace and harmony.

Over 20 persons were killed in ONELGA area of Rivers state on the New Year eve. Similarly clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in Guma and Logo area councils of Benue state had left over 50 persons dead. Separate attacks in Kaduna state on the Christmas eve also left many dead, including the traditional ruler of Numana Kingdom, Dr. Gambo Manama and his wife.