Buhari condemns Benue Massacre , saying blood shed not a solution

The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation has condemned the frequent resort to violence in dealing 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 in a statement in Abuja on Monday said that the resort to violence in whatever form was not acceptable and justifiable, no matter the grievances.

Mallam Garba Shehu, Director of Media and Publicity of APCPCO, said Maj. Gen. Buhari was deeply saddened that the cordial relationships that once existed among the people have been replaced by intolerance and hate.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 Fulani and Benue communities over disputes about farmland and grazing land.

Shehu 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 with the families of the of the latest victims of violence in Benue State, the APCPCO called on all politicians, regardless of party division, to unite and speak with one voice over such embarrassing incidents.

According to Shehu, the interested parties should recognise the rights of each other and be able to make compromises for the sake of peace.

He said that confidence building remained the only approach the people could have to bring the people together for dialogue at the negotiation table.

He said, “In moments of tensions, leaders should rise to the occasion and be part of the solution.”

He advised Nigerians to stop killing one another, whereas the basic challenges of survival faced them. According to him, such problems include insecurity, unemployment, hunger, disease and poor governance caused by corruption and other manifestations of bad leadership.