Stop All Senseless Bloodshed – IBB Warns
BY AMOS DUNIA, ABUJA – Former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida on Sunday said Nigerians have witnessed so much bloodshed through communal clashes and conflicts that need urgent actions to stop them now.
This is just as he called on governments at all levels, religious leaders, traditional rulers, social activists and the media to serve as national vanguards in resolving some of the recent disturbing incidents affecting national security.
Babangida, who spoke in commemoration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day observed on January 15 every year to honour Officers and Men of the Nigerian Armed Forces, who laid down their lives for the unity of our country, said Nigerians as a people should inculcate their cultural values, that promote good conduct, tolerance and peaceful co-existence.
According to him, “We should eschew hate speeches, discrimination and other vices that trigger senseless violence and bloodshed.”
He further said; “Let me use this opportunity to call on Nigerians to demonstrate our appreciation of the courage of these gallant fallen heroes by appreciating their contribution and providing supports for the welfare and upkeep of the families they left behind, especially their widows and children.
“At this period where our nation is faced with myriads of challenges of terrorism, communal clashes, kidnapping, cultism and gangsterism among other criminalities, we should cooperate and supports our security with relevant information and intelligence to help in tackling the problems.”
The former military ruler urged political office holders as well as politicians across political divide to be conscious of their campaign slogans and messages by ensuring they are geared towards peaceful participation and constructive engagements of the electorates as the nation enters another electioneering period.
He urged members of the armed forces and security agencies, to remain apolitical, neutral and focus on the ethics of discipline which is the hallmark of their profession.
“In conclusion, I wish to once again express my condolence to the families of members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives in their effort to keep Nigeria secured in various military operations”, the Niger State born General said.
