El-Rufai accuses religious leaders of playing divisive role in S/Kaduna killings
Under fire Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai has blamed the recent havoc unleashed by bandits in the southern part of the state on alleged “reckless statements” by some religious leaders.
Mallam el-Rufai said this during a visit on Saturday by the National Chairman of Jama’atul Izalatul Bid’ah wa Iqamatul Sunnah, Sheikh Abdullahi Lau, and other Izala leaders.
Speaking to newsmen after the visit, the governor disclosed that the Izala leaders visited him to get an update regarding the security situation in the state, noting that they received briefings from the Commissioner of Internal Security as well as the Deputy Governor.
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He said: “We also solicited their support and prayers to see the end of this crisis because we are of the strong view that at the bottom of this crisis are the reckless statements of some religious leaders
“If religious leaders decide firmly that people should live in peace and preach that consistently, it will lead to peaceful coexistence in our state.”
The governor also said that the root of the crisis in southern Kaduna “lies in differences in religion and ethnicity. And religious leaders can play a very unifying or divisive role. What we have witnessed in the last few years is that they have been playing a more divisive than a unifying role.
“That is why we welcome the outreach by religious leaders and we presented them with all the facts, and for them to use the holy books to guide how they will preach to their congregations.”
Speaking after the visit, Sheikh Lau, who led the delegation, called for peace and understanding in the state. He admonished the religious leaders to be at the forefront of working towards an end to the hostilities currently ravaging the southern part of the state.
“Without peace and harmony, you cannot even practise your religion. Religious leaders have a great role to play and value to add for the peaceful coexistence in Nigeria. That is why the governor said he had earlier received CAN (Christian Association of Nigeria) leaders and His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto,” Lau said
