The Arewa Think Tank, a northern advocacy group, has strongly condemned the killing of 16 hunters in Edo State, cautioning against any attempts to use the tragic incident to sow discord between the North and South.
Speaking at a special prayer session in Kaduna, held in honor of President Bola Tinubu’s 73rd birthday, the group’s convener, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, emphasized the need for national unity.
“We are all deeply saddened by the horrific murder of these innocent hunters,” Yakubu stated.
“However, we must not allow this tragedy to be used as a tool to incite regional hatred. Those who thrive on division will not succeed.”
Yakubu praised President Tinubu for his swift response in directing security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators.
“Mr. President acted immediately, showing that he is a leader for all Nigerians,” he said. “He did not play politics with this issue; instead, he demonstrated strong leadership by demanding justice.”
He warned against those trying to exploit the killings for political gain, stating, “There are individuals who never see anything good in this administration, and they are already attempting to twist this event to create animosity.
But they will fail because President Tinubu is ahead of them in thinking positively for the progress of this country.”
The event also featured prayers led by Sheikh Yahaya Musa and Abdulkareem Abumujahidah, who urged Nigerians to support their leaders through prayers.
“There is nothing wrong with praying for our leaders,” said Sheikh Musa. “God Himself commands us to do so, so they may have the wisdom and strength to govern effectively.”
The prayer session was attended by notable figures, including former Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero and Comrade Issa Aremu, Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, both of whom commended the initiative.
