Christian leaders worry over Fulani clashes

Christian elders in the North have decried incessant clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in some parts of the country and warned that it had the capacity to threaten the nation’s unity.
The  Northern States Christian Elders’ Forum (NOSCEF) specifically mentioned the clashes in Benue and Nasarawa states and urged authorities to be cautious of its consequences.
In a statement issued on Monday by the chairman of the forum, Evangelist Matthew Owojaiye, they noted that the herdsmen used to be peace loving, but all of a sudden, developed strange and negative attitudes towards their neighbours.
They, therefore, called on the Federal Government to probe what contributed to the negative attitudes of the nomadic cattle rearers in the country.  
 “Fulani herdsmen were gentle and friendly. If there were clashes, they were mild and easily settled. It is now very strange that Fulani herdsmen are said to be carrying guns and killing people all over the country. This is very strange.
“With the state of insecurity in the North and the consequent slowdown of economic activities, we must not allow blood shedding to spread to other parts of   Nigeria. This is the quickest way for Nigeria to disintegrate.
“Fulani herdsmen were not known for carrying guns. Who has radicalised them? The Federal Government must wake up and find out if Boko Haram or other terrorist organisations have infiltrated them.
“We call on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to stop the clashes and bloodshed. We condemn in its totality the spread of bloodshed, the lack of respect and value for human life. The courts are there to settle grievances among parties. For people to decide to take the law into their own hands is unacceptable in any civilised society. Is this a proof that the courts have failed or the people have no regard for the government?
“The Federal Government must take urgent  steps to show that it is still in control of the country. President Jonathan must affirm his authority. He must not allow anybody to hijack it from him,” the statement said.
“ Hijacking authority and control from him as our president is hijacking control from all of us. We the people of Nigeria, we vehemently resist that. Nobody, no groups of people should be above the law.

“We fear too many guns seem to have entered this country illegally. Are some people preparing for war? Will war profit anybody? As we have said before, you may know how a war will start; you cannot know how it will end. We already have enough tension in this country.  Let nobody look for another source of trouble.

“At independence, we wanted a nation where nobody is oppressed. We promised to stand in brotherhood, though tongues and tribes may differ. We still stand on that. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and make us truly Federal in Jesus Name.” The statement said.