The United Nations, on Tuesday challenged stakeholders in Kaduna, headquarters of the old Northern Regional Government, including the Federal and State Governments, to begin the process of amicably addressing the underlying causes of communal clashes in the area, which has “become too common.”
A statement by the UN Resident Coordinator, Edward Kallon, particularly urged the Federal Government “and security forces in the region to scale up their efforts aimed at protecting civilian communities especially in areas where sporadic attacks have been recorded recently.”
So far, over 55 lives have reportedly been lost in the mayhem that occurred in Kasuwan Magani area, South of the state.
While urging “authorities in the State to seriously look into circumstances leading to these clashes, which have become too common,” Kallon said the perpetrators should be brought to account.
“These attacks, if unchecked,” he warned, “may reverse the gains made so far in securing lives and property in the region.”
He also expressed grave concern over news of “renewed killings by the armed insurgent group, Boko Haram.
“It has been reported that close to forty lives were lost in separate incidents over the last few days, when the group attacked civilians in Borno State,” acknowledging numerous efforts underway to bring the crisis in the North-East to an end.
He expressed the sincere condolences of the UN family in Nigeria, to the families and friends of the bereaved, assuring that the world body “remains ready to support the government and people of Nigeria in seeking sustainable solutions to related national challenges.”