A nongovernmental organization, Foundation for Peace Professionals has raised alarm about an inciting song it claimed is capable of throwing the country into another civil war which it said has been trending in Northern Nigeria
“The song is dangerous, inciting and capable of drawing the country into another civil war and we must act fast to stop it,” the Foundation said in a statement it issued on Saturday.
The group added that it is in possession of the song.
“The trending song, which was voiced by an unknown female artist in Hausa language, was carefully worded, with the intention of causing deliberate mass incitement of Nigerians from the North against those from the Igbo extraction. This is a serious matter that must be addressed with the speed of light if the current peace shall be preserved,” the Foundation added.
The group urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to avert “the Rwanda Genocide experience that may likely occur as a result of the song which it described as ‘destructive.”
“In our candidate estimation, the song is a threat to national security and we can’t imagine the extent of genocide that may likely occur, should the Federal Government not mobilize all resources within its capacity to avert the catastrophic response that may break out in the next few weeks, if not days.
“We are using this opportunity to call on the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of the acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, all security agencies, all Northern Governors and traditional rulers, particularly in fragile states like Kano, Kaduna, Jos, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe and others to immediately take steps, not only to withdraw the song from circulation and embark on extensive media advocacy in Hausa to counter the deadly incitement, but to also mobilize strategic security responses to address any reaction that may break out as a result of the hate song. This is an emergency that must be taken with all seriousness.
“All Northern leaders must with immediate effect, condemn and dissociate themselves from this barbaric song and urge the people never to attack any Nigerian of Igbo extraction living in the North.
“While we strongly condemn those who produced the song and circulated it on the social media, we urge them to understand that the fire they are about to light may not spare them.
“Finally, inciting the masses into committing genocide against a people is not the best way to respond to whatever situation. We urge all Nigerians to cherish peace and continue to work towards building a better understanding,” the group added.
It will be recalled that a group of youths had about two months ago gave Igbo residents in Northern Nigeria three months ultimatum to quit the region. The ultimatum was issued in response to agitations for
The ultimatum was issued in response to agitations for seccession from the country and creation of an independent state of Biafra by some Igbo groups led by the Indegenous People of Biafra. However, governors across states in Northern Nigeria have condemned the ultimatum while assuring Igbo residents of their safety. The Federal Government
However, governors across states in Northern Nigeria have condemned the ultimatum while assuring Igbo residents of their safety. The Federal Government has also assured that it will protect the right of Nigerians to live in any part of the country. Also, the groups which issued the ultimatum have been in talks with some prominent Igbo personalities with promise that they will soon withdraw the quit notice. This magazine investigations however revealed that some Igbo residents in the North remain apprehensive on the likely fallout of the quit notice and have been taking steps to safeguard their lives and investments.