Kaduna State Council of Imams and Ulama, on Monday, called for the arrest and prosecution of all those engaged in the wanton killings of innocent people in Southern Kaduna.

The council made the call at a press conference by its General Secretary, Yusuf Arrigasiyyu, in Kaduna.

It disclosed that more than 100 Muslims were killed in Zangon Kataf Local Government alone in the latest killings in the area.

The council noted with concern, the attempt by the media to distort the issues in southern Kaduna, stressing that the false narrative would only exacerbate the crisis in the area.

“In most cases, the killings are being covered by those media outfits that will always prefer to change the narrative in solidarity with their faith and ethnicity,” it added.

The council also blamed some individuals and groups in southern Kaduna of promoting the recurring conflict for their selfish interest.

“It is clear that some individuals and groups in southern Kaduna are good in inciting and propagating violence in the area in order to make cheap popularity and to achieve their political interest.”

The council stressed that unless the killings of innocent people in southern Kaduna were stopped, the crises will continue, as the area belonged to Christians and Muslims.

It, however, urged all peace-loving Christians and Muslims in southern Kaduna and Nigeria at large to engage the criminal elements in the area to end the wanton killing of innocent people and ensure lasting peace.

The council stressed that “violence never brings development and progress in any community”.

“On the part of the Government, this council still insists that the perpetrators of the killings of peace-loving Muslims in southern Kaduna must be brought to book and punished to serve as deterrents to other intending criminal elements.”

The council said it urgently awaited the white paper committee on the crises in Southern Kaduna to conclude its assignment and forward the report to the state government for necessary action and implementation.

“The security agents must be on their feet to protect the lives and property of the peace-loving citizens of Nigeria without being biased.

“This council urges Muslims to resolve any conflict through non-violent means while they pray for permanent peace in all parts of Nigeria, particularly in the North where the enemies from within and outside the country are working towards its destruction.

“Finally, we condole with the family of the victims of the concurrent crisis in the Southern part of Kaduna state and pray to Allah for lasting peace.”