By Boluwaji Obahopo

LOKOJA—The National Youth Council of Nigeria, Kogi State chapter, has called on both the Nigeria Army and the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, to thread with caution to avoid war.

The group, therefore, urged IPOB and other groups calling for separation to embrace peace and dialogue in finding a lasting solution to the situation.

IPOB members storm Rivers police station, demand release of 3 arrested members

State chairman of NYCN, Oladele Nihi, who stated this yesterday in Lokoja, said their concern stemmed from the peculiarity of the state serving as a link between the Southern and Northern parts of the country; and would become the most affected negatively, if the current quagmire was not curtailed on time.

He said: “Relics of the Second World War and the events of the Nigerian Civil War still remain sad reminders of the evil consequences of war. We cannot afford to allow a repeat of such a sad event ever again.

“The Kogi State government is trying its best to make the state safe and secure for both indigenes, settlers and those travelling through.

‘’Therefore, all hands must be on deck to ensure that the peace we currently enjoy in Kogi State is not destroyed by this evil wind currently blowing around us.

“At this juncture, we implore all those calling for a secession to adopt a more civil and peaceful approach in articulating and propagating their concerns, rather than employ violent means or inciting people against each other.”

“In the same vein, we remind the Nigerian Army that we are in a democratic dispensation and democracy allows for the freedom expression and association. Therefore, the ongoing Operation Python Dance in the South East must be carried out in the most civil manner as possible while observing the laws of the Federal Republic. The Fundamental Human Rights of citizens must be respected at all times.”

The association also call on the youths to always preach peace and avoid using words that would further polarize the system.

“Let us as youths, use all mediums, especially the social media, to educate ourselves on the need for a peaceful Nigeria as we have more to gain as a people