The Chairman, Traditional Rulers Council, Keana Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Emmanuel Elayo, on Thursday appealed for calm over the recent killing of some Fulani herdsmen in the area.
The over 30 victims were killed in their homes by soldiers, witnesses and residents of the area have said.
Mr. Elayo, the Osana of Keana, made the peace call in his palace in Keana in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.
He said the call had become imperative to ensure peaceful coexistence and tolerance among Nigerians, especially those in the north, for the overall development of the country.
He said “I am a traditional ruler and as the custodians of the people’s culture it is my duty to preach peace and without peace no meaning development will take place in the society.
“There is tension all over this local government area and the state at large over the killing of some Fulani herdsmen by soldiers here last week.
“I am calling on the people in my domain, the state and Nigeria at large, to remain calm, be law abiding, prayerful and peaceful, irrespective of our ethnic, political and religious differences.
“It is painful to lose human lives. The security challenges facing the state and other parts of the country have affected the socio-economic development of the country negatively,” he said.
The Nigerian military has said it is investigating the killings, while community leaders have called for an independent investigation.
Mr. Elayo commended the state government for the measures taken to ensure lasting peace in the area and the state at large.
He, however, expressed sympathy with the families and relatives of those who lost their lives during the incident and prayed God for the repose of their souls.
The traditional ruler urged the farmers and the herdsmen in the country to report any misunderstanding and grievances among themselves to the appropriate authority rather than engaging in violence.
He also called on the people to report any suspicious movement of any person to the security agencies for prompt action.
(NAN)
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