Buhari: We’ll crack down on instigators of violence

President Muhammadu Buhari says his administration will not tolerate those who incite violence and social unrest in the country.

Buhari spoke during the June 12 Democracy Day celebration at Eagle Square, Abuja, on Wednesday.

The president alleged that most instances of inter-communal and inter-religious strife are being sponsored or incited by ethnic, political or religious leaders for their selfish interest.

“Most of the instances of inter-communal and inter-religious strife and violence were and are still as a result of sponsorship or incitements by ethnic, political or religious leaders hoping to benefit by exploiting our divisions and fault lines, thereby weakening our country, “Buhari said.

“When I took the oath of office on 29 May 2015, insecurity reigned. Admittedly, some of the challenges still remain in kidnappings and banditry in some rural areas.

“The great difference between 2015 and today is that we are meeting these challenges with much greater support to the security forces in terms of money, equipment and improved local intelligence.

“This government will not tolerate actions by any individual or groups of individual who seek to attack our way of life or those who seek to corruptly enrich themselves at the expense of the rest of us.

“We will crack down on those who incite ordinary innocent people to violence and unrest. We will ensure that such actions are met with the strong arm of the law.”

Shortly after the president delivered his speech, the DSS announce that it had arrested some social media users who allegedly incited violence.

The agency warned individuals involved in divisive acts to “desist forthwith.”

“Community leaders and persons of influence are, therefore, enjoined to be most responsible in their utterances as well as rein in (their) people for national cohesion and peaceful co-existence,” Peter Afunaya, spokesman of the agency, said in a statement.