Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday met with religious leaders from Southern Kaduna at the Government House, Kaduna State.
Osinbajo called for the meeting shortly after visiting the Kaduna Airport to inspect the work done ahead of next week’s closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja for repairs.
The leaders includes Bishop George Dodo, Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Sanusi Maikudi, a representative of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), HRH Chief of Attakad, Mr Tobias Wada, & Ibrahim Abdullahi Association National Secretary of Miyyeti Allah.
During the meeting the Vice President called for peace in the troubled region, adding that the meeting will be the first of a series of meetings that will be held, including meeting separately with each of the groups.
He pleaded with the leaders of each group to sheathe their sword and end the bloodshed, noting that “a crisis that started decades ago can’t be solved in one meeting”.
The Acting President promised to be back as he assured them of the Federal Government’s resolve to ensure peace is back to the region.
…I held a meeting with religious & community leaders from Southern Kaduna.
— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) March 3, 2017
It’s a first in a series of meetings I intend to hold with the community. Today’s meeting is just the beginning.
— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) March 3, 2017
I will return to meet each group separately & then meet all groups together again.
— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) March 3, 2017
I expressed condolence in person on behalf of the Buhari administration to all those who have lost lives.
— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) March 3, 2017
My appreciation to Governor Nasir El-Rufai who hosted the meeting at the Government House.
— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) March 3, 2017
Southern Kaduna has been embroiled in crisis following clashes between suspected herdsmen and local farmers which has resulted in the death of scores in the region.