14,000 died in religious riots in Nigeria’
By Agency Reporter
Published: Thursday, 26 Feb 2009
ABOUT 14,000 people have lost their lives due to waves of ethno-religious and communal violence in the last 10 years, according to the International Crisis Group, a non-governmental organisation.

The Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Makinde who disclosed this in Lagos on Wednesday said about three million people had been displaced during the period.

He said since 1980 to date, many religious riots and ethnic violence depicting hatred had been recorded mainly in the Northern part of the country.

Makinde said these included, the Kafanchan students religious riot of 1987; Kano religious disturbance of 1991; Tafawa Balewa crisis of 1991; 1995 and 2001; Zango-Kataf/Zaria crisis of 1992, Kaduna religious riots of 1999 and 2000, Jos crisis of 2001 and 2008.

He said the failure of the Federal Government to apprehend and punish the offenders and perpetrators of these acts was responsible for the latest attack.

Makinde who spoke at a media briefing said that many people, especially Christians, had been killed, maimed or their property destroyed as a result of avoidable crisis.

He lamented the recent killings and destruction of property in Bauchi State.

He warned that such crisis was threatening the peaceful coexistence of the people, and advised the government to fish out perpetrators and punish them accordingly.

The Prelate also called on the Federal Government to diversify the revenue base of the nation.

He said there was the need to develop other sectors of the economy and avoid dependence on oil, adding that mechanised farming should be improved upon to make food abundant and create employment.

According to him, there should be the aggressive exploration of mineral resources all over the country.

Makinde also applauded the judiciary for its landmark judgments and for proving to be a beacon of hope for the nation’s democracy and as the last hope of the common man.

According to him, President Umar Yar’Adua through its policy of the rule of the law has shown non-interference in the activities of the judiciary and had created enabling environment for justice to thrive.

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