Senator Shehu Sani has condemned the violent clash which occurred between Hausa and Yoruba traders in the Mile 12 area of Lagos State on Thursday, March 3, 2016.
Sani, who represents the Kaduna Central Senatorial District, further described those behind the riot as “enemies of peace and harmonious coexistence”.
The senator made the comment via a statement released in reaction to the incident.
It reads:
“The reported clashes between Yoruba and Hausa traders at Mile 12 stands condemned. The incessant violence is a threat to our peace, national unity and harmonious coexistence. The wanton killings and destruction of properties is an unacceptable crime and barbarity.”
“The architect and perpetrators of the mayhem are enemies of peace and harmonious coexistence. It’s unfortunate and lamentable that the monster of inter-ethnic violence continue to rear its head at a time when the nation is on a change train on a journey to the future.”
“Ethnic champions with passion for violence poses a serious threat to our peace and freedom and their isolated activities has a potential for a wider conflagration. Hausa Yoruba centuries of peaceful coexistence, cohabitation, commercial and family ties must not be allowed to be destroyed by the violent activities of a few.”
“While appreciating the accommodating spirit of Lagos, I call on the Governor of the state to ensure the safety and security of all ‘non indigenes’ residing or working in the state. I also call on the Governor of the state, Akinwunmi Ambode to ensure justice is done; perpetrators must be punished and victims must be compensated.”
“I call on northern and south-western political and traditional leaders and organisations to periodically meet to fashion out ways of stemming such mayhem. Nigeria should be home for all for it to be home for all. Our ethnic differences should be a variety of beautiful flowers and not an array of swords. Ethnic chauvinists and jingoists are inimical to peace and national unity.”
The riot is reported to have left about 10 persons dead leading Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to order the closure of the market.
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