President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed great shock over the violence that erupted in the Billiri chieftaincy tussle in Gombe state and has urged that all parties involved should exercise maximum restraint to avoid escalation.
The President disclosed this in a statement posted by Garba Shehu on Sunday evening.
“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,” Buhari said.
The President revealed that in a circle of violence, there would be “no winners except losers,” and advised both Muslims and Christians to 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,” the President added.
What you should know
- The Government of Gombe State imposed a 24-hour curfew on the Billiri Local Government Area of the state, following the eruption of violence in the area.
- “What we want to establish is peace so that we can reach out to the people and conclude issues with regard to the appointment of the new Mai Tangale” the State said.