… Calls on relevant authorities to bring the perpetrators to book to serve as deterrent to others

Abuja – The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) condemns the killing of Deborah Samuel, a student of College of Education, Sokoto, on Thursday 12 May, 2022 over alleged blasphemous statement against the Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

The IPCR calls for calm and sues for peaceful co-existence among citizens, stressing that we are brothers and sisters and as such should be living together as siblings devoid of violence and hate.

Commending the Sokoto State Government for measures already taken to address the situation, the Institute calls on the state government not to relent or relax its efforts to ensure peace is restored in the state.

The Institute further appeals for tolerance, as that is the only way peaceful co-existence and harmony can be guaranteed, noting that the country has gone through several challenges and in this period of electioneering, what Nigeria need more is tolerance and peace if the nation must move forward.

The Director-General, Dr. Bakut Bakut, emphasizes that all hands must be on deck to assist the nation to achieve its desired peace. Nigeria cannot afford another difficult circumstance that will further strain the nation’s fragile security situation.

The Director-General cautions promoters of hate and violence to desist from such as Nigeria is not known for fighting inter-religious war. He calls on all relevant authorities to bring the perpetrators to book to serve as deterrent to others, who may want to toe such criminal and violent paths.

Abuja – The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to pray for peace and stability as Nigeria joins the rest of the world in celebrating this year workers’ day and Id el Fitr celebration.

The Apex peace organisation has also asked Nigerians to pray especially in this period of electioneering for a peaceful conduct of 2023 general elections.

The Peace Research Agency which is also a think-tank of the Federal Government on peace and conflict resolution, with the mandate of promoting and building peace, added that what the country needs at this point of our trying moment is uniting against the evil forces that are undermining our peaceful cohesion.

This statement wishes to remind Nigerians that development is a product of peaceful co-existence, therefore, citizens should stand on the side of peace and remain law-abiding in the face of these challenges. As patriotic citizens who truly believe in the destiny of this country, we should rise up to the occasion to take up this civic responsibility in moving the nation forward.

As the nation celebrates Id el Fitr which marks the end of Ramadan, Nigerians should take a sober reflection, and connect their hearts to God in the spirit of the season for the restoration of our dear country.

The Institute wishes to further note that it is not unmindful of the security challenges facing the nation, but it is not unsurmountable because President Buhari is already showing the political will to ending the security challenges.

As Nigerians travel across the country to commemorate these festivities, the security agencies have guaranteed their commitment in safeguarding the highways for the safety of commuters.

The IPCR also uses the occasion to salute Nigerians for their patience and resilience in the face of difficulties. The Institute further salutes the courage and selfless service that the military, the police and other security agencies have demonstrated in restoring Nigeria on the dreams and vision of its forebearers.

The Institute assures the gallant security forces of the IPCR’s continued support, and collaboration with them to always provide the soft approach to rid-off Nigeria’s current security challenges and restore it back on the path of sustainable peace and development.

Nigerians are therefore enjoined to use the occasion of these celebrations to pray for peace and development in our country.