*A Call for Action: Ending the Circle of Violence*
The recent heinous murder in Uromi, Edo State, has highlighted once again the alarming level of insecurity in our nation. Across the country, numerous lives have been lost to ritual killings, banditry, and premeditated murder, often perpetuated by religious and ethnic tensions. Whilst our security forces are making observable efforts, their endeavours seem inadequate in face of the relentless bloodletting witnessed across the country lately. More disturbing, however, is the growing trend of jungle justice, where aggrieved individuals and communities take the law into their own hands.
The recent Ilobu/Ifon carnage in Osun State and the gruesome murder of Hausa hunters in Uromi, Edo State mistakenly identified as kidnappers by their killers, have escalated tensions nationwide, particularly in the Hausa-Fulani dominated northern areas of the country. The sheer brutality of these killings is deeply unsettling.
The Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA, unequivocally condemns these barbaric acts and urges the federal government to conduct a thorough investigation into these incidents, ensure justice is served, and implement measures to prevent such tragedies from recurring. Furthermore, we advocate for a comprehensive national reorientation programme, aimed at promoting a cultural rebirth, thereby curbing the rising tide of cultism, ritual killings, advanced fee fraud, corruption, ethnic jingoism, religious bigotry, and other antisocial crimes.
Our Association strongly condemns the Uromi killings and other similar incidents now on the rise across the nation. While calling on the government, we also call on Nigerians to exercise restraint and co-operate with law enforcement agencies at all times.
ANA wishes all the Muslim Faithfuls Eid Mubarak!
Signed...
Usman Oladipo Akanbi Ph.D President
Dame Joan Oji Ph.D
General Secretary
