…wants FG to handle criminal elements with iron fist

By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – AS Muslim faithful celebrate Eid-el-Mubarak, the Farmers and Herders Initiative for Peace and Development (FHIPD), Friday, urged Nigerians to embrace peace and unity.

The Chairman FHIPD-Africa, Dr. Salim Musa Umar, in a Salah message signed by him, said as an international centre that supports and promotes non-violent approaches to conflict transformation through a combination of research, community dialogues and action wants every community and Nigerian to peacefully coexist irrespective of backgrounds.

He said: “Farmers and Herders Initiative for Peace and Development, FHIPD, wishes all of us a spiritually fulfilling idil Mubarak, we should all pray for peace in our communities.

“Peaceful coexistence is about embracing our differences and finding common ground. As Nelson Mandela said, “As long as there is injustice, violence will continue.” Let’s strive for understanding and empathy.

“This call is necessary considering the recent upsurge in criminal activities that are threatening our existence and resolve to live in peace with one another.

Meanwhile, the FHIPD called on the “government to redouble its efforts and determination to rid the country of criminal elements.”

The Initiative also noted and acknowledged that, “Our security agencies deserves our support and prayers considering their enormous sacrifice in maintaining law and order in the country.”

Adding that, “There is no alternative to peace anywhere. We should rededicate ourselves in service to our dear country and shared humanity. Let’s promote understanding and non-violence.”