The Kwara State Government has cautioned residents of the state against launching xenophobic attacks against displaced persons in their midst and called for calm while government works with all stakeholders to maintain law and order.
The caution was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the state government, Professor Saba Mamman Jibril.
According to him, Kwara state is known for peace, harmony, and hospitality towards one another and all sojourners among them.
He declared that whatever the challenges at this time, the government will not accept xenophobic violence or hate speeches that might ignite it.
“The Government which has been working with various stakeholders to carefully handle the influx of displaced Fulani herders into the state is concerned with and accordingly rejects a purported quit notice issued to vulnerable persons who are scampering for refuge in parts of the state. We caution against belligerency of any kind. Kwara is historically renowned to be a peaceful multi-ethnic state and traditional home of Yorubas, Fulanis, Nupes, Barubas, Bokobarus, Hausas and many others who have lived harmoniously since time immemorial. These great tribes have inter-married and formed family bonds spanning centuries”, the statement read.
The government felt strongly that what the country requires at this time is its people solemnly coming together to heal old wounds and live together as brothers and cautioned that fanning the ember of disunity and violence is dangerous.
The secretary to the government urged everyone to live in and work for peace stressing that everything is being done at the state and federal levels to resolve security issues and that government needs everyone to avoid anything that could heighten tension or spark off violence.
Nneka Ukachukwu
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