‘Visitation not protection’ — Nigerian students at Cambridge ask Buhari to ‘stop the killings’

Cambridge University Nigeria Student Society (CUNS) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to stop the incessant killings of Nigerians across the nation.

Expressing themselves via a peaceful protest on Friday in Cambridge, UK, the students condemned the recent killings in Plateau state, the northcentral, and the rest of the country.

The students stated that “visitation is not protection,” and asked the government to do more to keep lives and property safe.

“Nigerian students at the University of Cambridge condemn in the strongest terms the incessant killings of Nigerians by the killer herdsmen, and our government’s ineptitude towards finding a lasting solution,” the students said via a statement.

“A few days ago, over 200 innocent civilians lives were wasted in Plateau according to local reports. This cannot be justified by any means.

“These civilians are our brothers, sisters, parents, and grandparents. From Taraba to Benue, Nimbo, and Plateau, these deaths from herdsmen attacks have become one too many; it has become regularised, it has become a culture, and we say no to that!”

Nafisa Waziri, Oladele Olafuyi, Chinedu Ugwu, who spoke on behalf of the students called on President Muhammadu Buhari to stay true to his words to protect Nigerians regardless of their tribal roots and ethnic groups.

“We are using this medium to request that you end these killings. As the chief security officer, you have a duty and have been adequately empowered, to protect the lives of all Nigerians.

“This is what you promised during your campaign, and this is what you were elected to do. We commend your visit to Plateau. However, please see to it that the killings stop forthwith.

“Mr President, these herdsmen are not invisible, they are miscreants who have decided they are above the law. The lives of Nigerians mean nothing to them.

“Your Excellency, we demand that these killers be arrested and prosecuted immediately. We demand that you begin to prioritise the safety and security of every Nigerian life as non-negotiable.

“We demand that you condemn these massacres in unequivocal terms and initiate a project of national reconciliation and healing. We are marching here in Cambridge to speak against these killings, and to implore you to protect your people and the future generation.

“We commend your effort in security, but we are asking you to do more. We want to come home and contribute our best in growing our nation. We have no desire to go back to a country whose street is running in blood.

“It is our utmost desire to return and contribute our quota to the transformation agenda which you have promised all of us.

“Undoubtedly, no transformation can occur in a state of blood, and we beg, we plead, we implore that you as the father of the nation take immediate action in fulfilling the promises you have made.”

Nearly 2,000 Nigerians have been killed in communal clashes between herdsmen and farmers across the country, local and international monitors have said.