Expose Those Plotting Ethnic, Religious Violence – ACF, PANDEF Tell DSS

The apex Northern socio-cultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has asked the Department of State Services (DSS) to stop those plotting ethnic and religious violence in some parts of the country.

Naija News had reports that the intelligence agency on Wednesday issued a security alert warning of plots by some individuals and groups to cause ethnic-religious violence in some states.

A statement by the DSS Spokesman, Peter Afunanya, said the alleged plotters want to “exploit some fault lines” to wreak havoc in the country and also use their foot soldiers to attack some worship centres, religious leaders, personalities as well as key and vulnerable points.”

Reacting to the alert, National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Emmanuel Yawe, asked the DSS to expose those planning to cause inter-religious conflicts in the country.

Yawe asked the DSS to be proactive in dealing with the individuals or groups since the DSS knows the plotters and their satanic mission.

He noted that “raising an alarm means nothing when the people inciting a national crisis are left free.”

Also reacting, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) condemned the DSS for raising an alarm instead of going after the alleged plotters.

PANDEF Spokesman, Ken Robinson, described as disturbing the strategy adopted by the DSS, saying the warning was unnecessary and capable of exacerbating tension in the country.

Robinson recalled that the secret Police had raised a similar alarm a few weeks ago and did nothing to arrest those planning to cause violence in the country.

Robinson said, “PANDEF is disturbed by this strategy of the DSS. Recall that they had raised a similar Alarm a few weeks ago. PANDEF views the warning as unnecessary, and capable of exacerbating tension in the country. Our opinion remains the same. Tragically, the DSS has turned itself into a mere alarmist and doomster.

“Everyone, including the DSS, knows the causes of the many problems of the country. Principal amongst which is the way and manner the affairs of the country are being conducted.“