By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
Against the background of the recent skirmishes over an alleged blasphemous remarks made by a lady in Warji local government area of Bauchi State, Governor Bala Mohammed said his administration will not spare anyone found wanting or cause any trouble aimed at undermining the security and peace of the state as the administration placed special regard for religious tolerance in the State
The governor made this known when he led heads of security agencies and other top government officials on a visit to the scene of religious crisis in Warji local government area of the state over blasphemy where he expressed serious concern over the incident.
Addressing people of Warji both Christians and Muslims, Governor Bala emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence among the people of the area regardless of their religious differences for the maintenance of peace and security.
According to him, Warji local government has been known for peace and stressed the need for peaceful coexistence amongst citizens .
A press statement by the media adviser Mukhtar Gidado quoted the Governor as saying, “I will not spare anyone found making any attempt to cause trouble. My administration has a special regard for peace and religious tolerance . I will not fold up my arms and allow forces of doom to cause trouble in any part of the state.”
“Religion is very close to peoples’ hearts. It is very uncivilised to cast aspersions or joke with peoples religious believes. We know that there are Christians and Muslims in Warji. Those of us who are 60 years old never heard of any religious crisis in Warji before this time. I must commend religious leaders, traditional leaders and security personnel for putting up a combined efforts that lead to quenching of the violence.”
The governor who said the state government in collaboration with security agencies has set up an investigation panel to identify the culprits in order to bring them to book and serve as deterrent to others, and warned that government will not allow individuals or groups to work against the peace and security of the state.
On his part, the Commissioner of Police, Umar Sanda said investigation is ongoing, adding that Bauchi police command has deployed all tactical teams, Mobile Police Force and Rapid Response Squad (RRS) whose joint efforts had brought the situation under control.
The Commissioner of Police reiterated the need for parents and guardians to maintain strict vigilance over the activities of their wards, particularly youths and urged religious, community leaders and elders to caution youths to desist from anything that could temper with the security of their areas.