Billiri crisis:Buhari warns against religious violence
By Modupe Shodeinde
President Muhammadu Buhari has cautioned against the use violence to express grievances instead of amicably resolving difference without threat to law and order.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President said this in reaction to the violence in Gombe State arising from the Billiri chieftaincy tussle.
Buhari expressed concern over the eruption of violence in Gombe and called for restraint to avoid escalation.
The President said, “I’m seriously disturbed by the outbreak of violence in Gombe State and call on the parties involved to exercise maximum restraint to avoid escalation.
“The easy resort to violence is uncalled for because there are enough avenues to resolve differences amicably without threatening law and order.
“In a circle of violence, there are no winners, except losers. Muslims and Christians should avoid the temptation of resorting to violence in order to express their grievances.
“Nigerians have shed enough blood over issues that could have been peacefully resolved. I appeal to the two parties to sheathe their swords for the sake of peaceful coexistence.
“Gombe has enjoyed relative religious harmony for decades and you shouldn’t allow hoodlums destroy this positive record.”
