Religious crisis not peculiar to Buhari’s govt – Osinbajo; Says Southern Kaduna killings still being investigated

Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has said the religious violence witnessed in some parts of the country is not peculiar to the President Muhammadu Buhari government or the All Progressives Congress, APC, administration.

Osinbajo, at the biannual conference of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, in Benin City said, “Our greatest enemy is hate. In the past few years we have seen the most brutal killings of men and women. The history of bloody religious conflicts extends to every Nigerian government.

Prof Osinbajo said the history of religious crises dates back to 1979 with the Maitacine clash which left many dead stating further that for Christians to live eternally, they must die for the gospel.

He urged Christians to embrace love as “hate is the device of the devil” and will not ensure the prosperity of Christendom.

Osinbajo further added that Christians should not be discouraged when they are despised by others, saying it is the burden of the gospel.

Speaking on the Southern Kaduna killings, he said “since investigations are still going on, I can’t make any categorical statement,” stressing that the Federal Government was working closely with the state government, the Police and other security agencies on the matter.

“It is not true to say that the FGN was silent, it is not true. Troops were sent in after a Security Council briefing were received from the state and police after they found themselves not being able to curtail the killings.

“However from the foregoing it is obvious that every Nigeria leader whether Christian or Muslim has tried to solve the problem… and none has succeeded. Indeed the killing has increased in velocity and intensity.

“In many respects the failure of our criminal justice system to punish culprits has not helped matters. But meanwhile the suicide bombers and those ready to die along with their victims have added a more satanic dimension to the public.

“Why is it that no government has succeeded in stopping these age old killings? Let me say that it is because the answer to it, the response to gross wickedness lies with the church.

“Everything about the gospel contradicts our flesh. As far as the gospel is concerned, the way to live and be fruitful is to die.

There was however a rowdy session when the acting President urged Christians to love and forgive their enemies irrespective of the harm done to them.