The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) has asked the Federal Government to end the “alarming” and “disheartening” spate of killings, kidnapping and banditry recorded in the country in the last week.

In a statement on Tuesday, NIREC under the leadership of the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Daniel Okoh, and the Sultan of Sokoto, who doubles as the President-General of, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Sa’ad Abubakar.

The religious council of Christians and Muslims in Nigeria said it is “greatly perturbed over the present exponential increase in the level of insecurity in the country”.

“The rates at which banditry, abductions and killings are increasing in the country is beyond alarming and there is the need to bring these heinous acts to an end,” said the statement signed by NIREC Secretary, Cornelius Omonokhua.

“Recently, we have the report of thirteen farmers killed in Shiroro LGA of Niger State, one hundred and fifty persons abducted in Gobir District in Sokoto State, the District Head of Gatawa, Sokoto State gruesomely murdered, foiled bandits attack in Malumfashi LGA of Katsina state and many others.

“This spate of attacks within the window period of one week is very disheartening and of great concern.

“NIREC therefore calls on the Government and security agencies to intensify their efforts to eradicate these menaces in our society so that citizens can go about their normal businesses without fear or apprehension.”

The religious council commiserated with the families of all those who lost their lives to the disdainful acts and prayed that all those that are still in captivity would be safely reunited with their loved ones.

AFP