By Attah Ede
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency, deploy modern technology and further seek foreign assistance to address the ongoing Kidnappings and killings in the country.
Obasanjo stressed that no criminal should be beyond the reach of security agencies.
Obasanjo made this call on Friday night while speaking at the Plateau Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival in Jos.
He maintained that Nigerians owe no one an apology for seeking assistance from the international community to tackle the country’s persistent insecurity, adding that lives are being lost daily regardless of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation.
The former President noted that in these days of technology, there should be nobody who can hide after committing a crime.
“Before I left government, we had the capacity to pick up anybody in Nigeria once identified… Every Nigerian life matters, whether Christian, Muslim or pagan. Nigerians are being killed; this must stop.
“Nigerians have the right to seek international partnerships if domestic efforts fall short because saving lives must remain the nation’s priority”, the former military ruler said..
Earlier, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, reassured citizens that Nigeria would overcome its current trials.
“By the grace of God, those who want Nigeria destroyed will not succeed. It is my earnest prayers that national and state leaders continue to receive strength and wisdom to act rightly” he said.
The governor explained that the annual carol event was inspired by the vision of uniting the people of Plateau through worship and thanksgiving.
“God is delighted when we come together in unity to exalt His name. Despite all odds, we are gathered again this year to celebrate the goodness of God in the land of the living,” he said.
Mutfwang welcomed dignitaries in attendance, including Obasanjo; General Lawrence Onoja (rtd.); former Plateau Governors Joshua Dariye and Jonah Jang (with his wife, Ngo Talatu); former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen; former Adamawa State Governor, Boni Haruna; former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd.); and the GOC 3 Division, Major General Folorunsho Oyinlola.
While expressing delight in the diversity of worshippers, the governor said Plateau citizens had put aside denominational differences to worship under one banner.
““With unity, we will shut the door against the enemy that troubles us,” he said.
The event featured ministrations from renowned gospel artistes including Buchi, Uche Etiaba, Pastor Chingtok, and choirs drawn from various denominations.
