Killings: US urges FG to arrest, punish perpetrators

- The US deputy chief of mission to Nigeria, David Young, has urged the federal government to arrest those behind the killings across the country

- According to the diplomat, in order to stem the tide, it is very important for justice to take place

- He also urged the government to create opportunities for young people, so their attention can be diverted away from criminal activities

The federal government of Nigeria has been urged by the US deputy chief of mission to the country, David Young, not to allow those who perpetuate violent acts across the country get away with their crimes.

Young gave the call on Wednesday, July 25, while addressing newsmen, Premium Times reports.

Legit.ng gathers that the diplomat called for a crackdown on the violence which has claimed over a thousand lives in various states; and described the killings as tragic and very complex to deal with.

He also suggested ways that the horrific occurrences could be brought to an end; explaining that one of such ways is for the government to arrest those responsible.

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Young, who disclosed that he had visited the three states affected by the herders-farmers crisis, insisted that in order to stem the tide, it is very important for justice to take place.

He said: “As Nigeria deals with its issues of insecurity and violence, I know it is a major concern that I heard about from people here in Kaduna as well as Zamfara and Plateau, about the issue of loss of lives and how tragic that is.

“It’s important to emphasise that for us (United States) and our people, all lives are sacred; and we mourn the passing and tragedy that happened.

“I learnt that in Kaduna and Zamfara during my trip that all communities are touched by this violence between farmers and herders. All are touched by this violence and again it’s a tragic loss that we mourn, and we stand in solidarity with people who lost loved ones.

“I learnt that there are very complex causes for the criminality that we see across different states. I met with many people in Abuja as well and around the country and our team at the Embassy looked at these issues, talked to folks all across Nigeria.

“With great concern, I realised that it is very complex and there is no particular simple solution that is easily available.”

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He continued: “Obviously, the critical importance is cracking down on the criminality and having effective and efficient law enforcement agencies that really focus on issues of impunity.

“It is very important that criminals and others are not able to get away with this kind of impunity and violence.”

Young also urged the government to create opportunities for young people, so their attention can be diverted away from criminal activities.

He said: “We are partnering with Nigerian leaders in some of these areas and in terms of improving education and health, economic opportunities, agriculture and other sectors. It’s critically important that people have opportunities and hope to envisage a better future so that young people do not go into criminality.

“Another important message is that it’s important to have individuals ‎acting as peace makers and working to promote dialogue across communities, ethnic groups and religions.

“I heard lot of inspirational stories during my visit to here (Kaduna), Zamfara and Plateau about people who are working individually and leading other communities to work as peace makers to prevent the cycles of violence and reprisals and counter reprisals that lead to such bloody deaths and destruction.

“United States contributes over $1 billion each year to work with our Nigerians partners to create a better future for Nigerians.”

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the US mission in Nigeria called on citizens and leaders in the country to stay united with a view to ending the violence against civilians.

The mission stated that Nigerians could make the killings stop, by being united, regardless of religion or ethnic backgrounds.

The US ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, made the statement in reaction to the reported attacks in Plateau state which claimed about 86 lives.

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Source: Legit.ng