Killing may lead to religious war Gwon warn

Former Head of state General Yakubu Gowon has called for the arrest of leadership of Miyeitti Allah Kautal Hore, over the senseless killings in Benue.

Gowon, who spoke on the terrible security situation in the country, also admonished the federal government on the need to arrest the situation before it resulted into religious war, the end of which no one could predict.

The former head of state expressed disappointment with failure of the security agencies to invite and question the leadership of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, which had threatened to unleash violence on Benue State and later justified the killings and their role in them, during his visit to Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, on Saturday, to commiserate with government and Benue people over the wanton killings  and destruction of properties in the state.

Gowon, who said he was out of the country when two priests and 17 worshipers were killed in a church in the state during morning mass, expressed the condolences of his group, “Nigeria Prays.”

“I am sad and worried at the religious dimension the killings is assuming,” he stated, warning that if government failed to take drastic action, the country could descend into a religious war, with no one coming out victorious.

“It is worrisome to see innocent people being killed. Government should redouble its efforts to tackle security situation in the country before it descends into religious war.

“For us to survive as a nation; we must learn to live together as one regardless of ethnicity or religion,” he said commending Benue State government for the admirable it handled the killings and devastation in the state.

Welcoming the elder statesman, Governor Ortom, who was represented by his deputy, Benson Abounu, thanked him for coming to commiserate with them and as well adding his voice to the call on the federal government to take decisive actions to end the orgy of violence plaguing the state and the country.