2019: End herdsmen’s killings now, clergyman tells Buhari

The Bishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Abakaliki, Ebony state, Lawson Elom has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to end the escalation of Herdsmen’s killings and attacks in some parts of the country, as Nigeria glides slowly to another general elections.

The clergy made this known at the weekend while addressing a mammoth crowd of faithful and stakeholders of the state during the 24th Annual Synod of the church at place Agba, circuit in Ishielu local government Area of the state.

Elom who spoke on the theme “Strive for peace and holiness- Hebrews 12:14” at the synod, urged Christians in all over the country to continue to pray and advise the government especially in this challenging period.

He called on Christians to embark on aggressive evangelism as a way of saving the country from total destruction, so also, tasked them to invest aggressively in agriculture to assist the country overcome its food security challenges, reduce crimes.

The Bishop however, expressed worry over the recent Herdsmen/ farmers clashes in Nigeria, stressing that the development are affecting farming in Nigeria.

He frowned at the activities of Herdsmen in the country,which according to him, was originally supposed to be carrying sticks but now carrying Ak47 and other related ammunition and be moving around unchecked.

“It could be recalled that the same Fulani Herdsmen who used to carry stick to guide their cattle are now moving around with Sophisticated weapons like AK47 etc.

“As a terrorist group, Fulani Herdsmen are rated as the fourth most dangerous in the world by the global terrorist index, GTI 2015 report. These terrorists have indeed become a deadly group in Nigeria that at present, security agencies, especially the police are seemingly avoiding encounters with them.

The clergy who admonished worshippers to continue to pray for Nigeria’s recovery, also urged the federal government to do its best to ensure that those who are allegedly sponsoring Herdsmen are brought to justice.

“Unless those who are sponsoring Herdsmen are traced and brought to justice, this country will continue to be in danger.

“What a misfortune to our nation Nigeria. I think it is high time eminent Nigeria at home and in Diaspora cry out to God like the Israelites cried to God when they were in slavery in Egypt, So that God will send helpers to Nigerians and save us from these dangers which are man- made.

“One will not say that the leadership of this country is not making efforts but their efforts are not yet enough, especially if students can be abducted from their schools. Then it means that life is not yet safe in this country, especially as the 2019 election is drawing nearer with its attendant manipulations” he stated.