MUHAMMADU BUHARI CONDEMNS BENUE KILLINGS

The All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate Campaign Organisation, Muhammadu Buhari, has deplored the frequent resort to violence to deal with perceived grievances by the people.

Reacting to the incident at Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, where dozens, mainly women and children were killed in cold blood by suspected herdsmen, the APC presidential candidate said in a statement in Abuja on Monday that the resort to violence in whatever form is not acceptable and justifiable, no matter the grievances.

Garba Shehu, Director of Media and Publicity of the APC presidential campaign organization, quoted Mr. Buhari as saying that the cordial relationships that once existed between and among the people have been replaced by intolerance and hate.

According to the statement, leadership is the key to dealing with frequent communal clashes between Fulanis and Benue communities over disputes about farmlands and grazing lands.

Mr. Buhari said political leaders should be able to build trust among the people as the basis for dialogue, adding that “if the people can no longer listen to their leaders, such crises might persist and make life more miserable for the people”.

While condoling the families of the of the victims of violence in Benue State, Mr. Buhari called on all politicians regardless of partisan divide, to unite and speak with one voice over these embarrassing incidents.

He explained that confidence building is the only approach the people that could bring the people together for dialogue at the negotiation table, adding that “in moments of tensions, leaders should rise to the occasion and be part of the solution”.