By Aminu Garko
Senator representing Niger East Senatorial District, Mohammed Sani Musa, has appealed to residents of Rafi Local Government Area to embrace peace following communal clashes that led to loss of lives, destruction of property and displacement of families.
In a statement issued on Friday, Musa expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones and prayed for the recovery of those injured.
He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, women, elders and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and reject acts capable of escalating the crisis.
“Violence has never solved our differences; it only deepens wounds, destroys livelihoods, and sets back the progress of our people,” Musa said.
The senator said for generations, the diverse ethnic communities in Rafi have lived together as neighbours and partners in development, sharing markets, farms and places of worship. He urged youths to resist incitement and to embrace dialogue, patience and the rule of law.
Musa commended the Niger State Government, security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders for efforts to restore normalcy, and urged them to remain impartial and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
Citing escalating tension and threats to lives and property in the area, the senator called on the Federal Government to urgently deploy adequate military and other security forces to Rafi LGA to restore peace, protect civilians and stabilise affected communities.
He said a prompt intervention was necessary to prevent further deterioration and possible spillover into neighbouring areas.
Musa urged all parties to lay down instruments of violence and support efforts aimed at restoring harmony and rebuilding trust.