Leadership of non-indigenes resident in Kaduna state have decried the incessant clashes in the state in the past 30 years, saying it has retarded development.

At a press conference in Kaduna, the Igala, Igbo, Yoruba and Urohobo community leaders under the aegis of Community Leaders Forum, noted that till date, so many families were yet to recover from the numerous ethno-religious crises that rocked the state.

Leader of the Igala Community, Joseph Daikwa who spoke on behalf of the group, regretted that the crises in the state over a period of time, had led to the closure of many industries while potential investors got scared of coming to invest.

The group lamented the killings in the southern part of the state and urged the authorities to take adequate steps to end the bloodshed.

“We are worried about the crisis that has led to loss of human lives and property in Southern Kaduna.

“Historically, Kaduna state has witnessed several crises over the past 30 years, and during such incidents, many people, including Muslims, Christians, pagans, indigenes and non-indigenes recorded casualties.” Daikwa said.

According to him, “Up till date, so many families are yet to recover from the crises. Sadly Today, many industries have closed down while many existing investors have left the state and potential ones refused to come in due to the crises.”

The community leaders noted that all over the world, “no development can thrive in an atmosphere of chaos and crisis” stressing that “the dream of Kaduna becoming one of the growing economies in Nigeria can only be realised when there is peace and security in the state”

The group called on all aggrieved parties in the southern Kaduna crisis to sheath their swords and come together to resolve their differences.

“We believe that as residents of Kaduna state, everybody is a potential victim whenever crisis occurs, hence we must learn to live together as brothers and sisters.

“While we commend both the Kaduna state government and the federal government for deploying security operatives to Southern Kaduna, we also call on government to ensure that justice and equity prevail in the present situation.

“Security operatives should as a matter of urgency fish out the perpetrators of the attacks and bring them to book.

“We also expect the troops that were deployed to the troubled areas to abide by the rule of engagement and ensure that peace returns to the once peaceful Southern Kaduna.

“This is the only way that development can come in.”

They, however, commended the State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, for the massive transformation going on in the state, especially the massive road construction and rehabilitation currently going on. (Channels TV)

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