Nasarawa CAN, JNI caution youths against hunger protest

The Christian Association of Nigeria and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State have cautioned youths in the area against joining the August 1, 2024, planned protest, which is expected to be held simultaneously across the country.

The State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, had on Friday appealed to Chairmen of the 13 local government areas of the state, religious leaders and traditional rulers to prevail on the youths in their respective communities not to partake in the protest for the continuous peaceful coexistence of all residents of the state.

Speaking at a press briefing in the Karu LGA on Saturday, the chairman of CAN in the area, Rev. Joshua Dakulu, urged the several youth groups organising the protest to seek dialogue with the federal government instead of embarking on the protest, which may lead to the loss of lives and properties.

While emphasising that nationwide protests had never done good to the country, he lamented that the painful outcome of the ENDSARS protests in the year 2020 was still fresh in the memories of many Nigerians who lost their loved ones and means of livelihood.

“I know that the situation of the country is not pleasant at the moment due to the increase in prices of foodstuff and other commodities, but on behalf of CAN, I make an appeal to all Christian citizens and our Muslim brothers and sisters in Karu and other parts of the state to avoid participating in the planned protest.

“Instead, let us embark on dialogue and offer prayers for the government at all levels so that God will give them direction on how to address the challenges facing the nation,” he added.

On his part, the Secretary of JNI in the LGA, Atiku Gurku, said Muslims in the area had pulled out from the upcoming protests because Islam does not permit faithfuls to go on a rampage or go against constituted authority except through dialogue.

“We are appealing to both the federal and state governments that despite our stand not to participate in the protests, they should come to the aid of the masses by ensuring that prices of food items in marketplaces are regulated,” he said.

Earlier, the Youth Leader of Karu LGA, Samuel Mami, said they had pledged not to participate in the nationwide protests slated for August 1 to 10 to maintain the existing peace in the area.

He said, “Protests can certainly serve as a powerful tool for bringing attention to pressing issues. However, we have seen firsthand how they can also lead to unrest and disruptions.

“History has shown us that protests can sometimes escalate into violence which not only undermines the message we aim to convey but can also lead to severe consequences for the participants and the community.”