By Correspondent in Lokoja
As all hands are deck to find lasting solution to banditry, Kidnapping and other frightening insecurity in Nigeria,the Kogi State Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN),Bishop John Ibenu,has called on the Federal Government to set up genuine truth, justice, reconciliation, and forgiveness committee in resolving the contending issues amicably.
The cleric made the call while speaking on the state of the nation at the Kogi State Interreligious Council (KOSIEC meeting in Lokoja.
According to him, when on board, the committee should be charged with the responsibility meeting the people in open and secret places, urban and local warring parties to resolve the problem and pave way for the spirit of building a better Nigeria to take centre stage.
Bishop Ibenu also added that the Committee should not be limited to the government but include Religious, Youth group, People nationalities, Representatives of those who can link up with extreme groups, stressing that ” Force alone cannot solve all our problems.”
He said “As we are all aware, the nation is passing through a very trying time that nobody needs to enumerate one by one. When we consider the news of Kidnapping, Banditry, Regional crisis, Food security/Plight of farmers, Economic challenges among several others, we can only turn to God for mercy, forgiveness, and help.
” Comparatively, Kogi State is far ahead of the Northern States when we speak of security issues. At this point, we cannot continue to dwell on the problems but we need to come together for brainstorming and critical thinking both for our State and the Nation at large.
“There is nothing wrong if the solution to the myriads of the problem of the Nation comes out of Kogi State.
“The atmosphere is toxic, the social media is toxic, political tones are toxic and several utterances are counterproductive to the peace we seek, just as we can see. we need to intentionally and humbly tone down all the ungodly rhetorics, condemn what needs to be condemned and open genuine doors for dialogue.”
Ibenu,however, called on Nigerians to be fervent in prayers, preach the fear of God and support the government genuinely to overcome the present challenges.
In his remarks, the Kogi State Chairman, Jama’tu Nasril Islam, (JNI), Ambassador Usman Bello sued for peace and unity among the people to put an end to the incessant killings in the nation.
He said everybody should be a stakeholder in finding geniune solution to the insecurity bedeviling the country, adding that through collective efforts, insecurity woukd be a thing of the past in Nigeria.
“Government alone cannot do it. The people must come together for the government to defeat this individuals causing pains in our land. We thank Kogi State Government for its relentless efforts in safeguarding the lives and properties in the state. We are, however, using this opportunity to urge it to do more” he advised.
Our Correspondent reports that security challenges such as Kidnapping, banditry as well as regional crises,have brought alot of social and economic hardships to the Nigerians.
