In the aftermath of the tragic Christmas Eve massacre in Plateau State, claiming over 200 lives, distinguished elder statesman Edwin Clark pens an impassioned open letter to President Bola Tinubu, imploring the need for immediate restructuring to curb the escalating violence.
Expressing profound dismay over the senseless slaughter that marred the festive season, Clark emphasizes the imperative of restructuring as the sole viable solution to address such unprovoked acts of brutality.
He applauds President Tinubu’s swift response, acknowledging the deployment of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who vehemently promised that justice would prevail for those responsible for the heinous act.
Clark highlights the historical harmony between cattle owners and communities, emphasizing that the recent surge in conflicts stems from the intervention of politicians insisting on the Fulanis claiming ownership of land rightfully belonging to others. This shift, occurring over the past two decades, has seen armed Fulani herders deliberately targeting and displacing communities.
The elder statesman regrets the Federal Government’s lack of decisive action, noting the violation of the 1999 Constitution and the subsequent abandonment of homes by Nigerian citizens, seeking refuge in camps. He boldly asserts that some politicians are sponsoring these armed herdsmen, a fact acknowledged by former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, who openly revealed that authorities are aware of the identity and location of these invaders.
In his call to President Tinubu, Clark advocates for a comprehensive restructuring that addresses the root causes of such violence, emphasizing the urgency of reclaiming the nation’s peace and security. The open letter serves as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard the lives and well-being of all Nigerians.
