Herdsmen Killings Not Targeted At Christians – Osinbajo

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has dismissed insinuations that the killings in some parts of the country were targeted at only Christians.

Speaking in Osogbo, the Osun State capital on Friday, the Vice President said the blood thirsty hoodlums had also attacked mosques and killed many in Muslim communities especially in Zamfara State.

Osinbajo warned that Nigeria could face another civil war if the issue of herdsmen killings was not handled with great care and wisdom.

He said, “There is a big challenge. Sometimes, it is not always as it seems. When I went to Benue, I mentioned to them that any attack on churches is sacrilegious and it should be condemned. I was probably one of the few persons that spoke about it. Let’s put it in a context, we must not assume this is an isolated case.

“Deeper Life Bible Church was attacked in the North in 2014 and 17 people were killed. Whatever is happening, we must take a broader look at it. As pastors, when mosques are attacked, we must also speak up. It is good that we also speak up against this as well.

“I agree fully as far as security issues go that we should have a broader approach. There is no reason why there should not be a review. The President ( Muhammadu Buhari) had said he would address it.

“We must not allow the narratives being said about it to survive. We have to handle it carefully, we may put the country in a civil war if care is not taken. When former President Obasanjo was in office, almost 12 states declared Sharia law. What did Obasanjo do about it. He could not have done more than he did.

“Many of the governors of those states then were Muslims. Can you imagine if 12 states governors declare Sharia Law now that we have a President, who is a Muslim? We must put everything going on in the country in context. I am in a position of getting some information that many are not privileged to get.

“Our country can only be governed by the wisdom of God. We must deal with all issues with great care. In River Benue, virtually all the cattle want to go in there for water. In Taraba, the killer herdsmen and farmers they attacked are Muslims. It is not entirely fair to say that they are targeting Christians. Any herder found with weapon must be arrested. In the last few months, we have sent special forces to Benue and and Taraba. There is great determination to end the killings and hold accountable anybody arrested.”