Agyaragu crisis: Nasarawa Govt. orders arrest of sponsors

Lafia – Gov. Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State on Friday ordered security operatives to arrest sponsors of the violent crisis in Agyaragu area of the state.

Violence erupted in that part of Obi Local Government area on Nov. 21, leaving dozens dead and others injured.

Al-Makura, in a broadcast, said that government was determined to bring to book all persons or groups involved in the crisis, irrespective of their status in the society.

He expressed sadness over the incidence, saying: “it is, indeed, sad that our state is being made to assume the status of “a theatre of a communal violence, this is regrettable and unacceptable’’.

According to him, the Agyaragu crisis, like other recent crises in the state is perpetrated by miscreants and enemies of the state.

“These miscreants are bent on causing communal disharmony and economic dislocation of our society and we shall not allow them to succeed,’’ he said.

He noted that government was disturbed that people resorted to violence at the slightest provocation.

Al-Makura said government was aware that ethnic militia was being used to unleash mayhem on innocent people and declared “the activities of all the ethnic and cultural militia remain illegal’’.

He added that government would enforce the provision of “Nasarawa State Thuggery Law’’, passed by assembly to bring offenders to justice.

While condoling with those who lost their loved ones and property, the governor appealed to them to accept the incident as an act of God and shun seeking vengeance.

He said security operatives had been deployed to restore peace in the area, saying that government was prepared to assist internal-displaced persons.

Al-Makura advised the public against inflammatory statements, adding that persons caught inciting people would be arrested and prosecuted for breach of the peace.

He explained that peace and harmony were prerequisite for sustainable socio-economic development of the state. (NAN)