Date: 2015-05-12

FORMER Governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki, has canvassed a virile community-based conflict resolution mechanism towards prompt prevention of violence in the society.

Saraki said it was only when people's emotions are bottled up that they would resort to violence, noting that no democratic era should promote hostility.

He spoke yesterday in Ilorin during a condolence visit to Mogaji Are of Ilorin, Alhaji Aremu Zubir, who was among the victims of the recent violent crisis in some parts of the town, leading to the death of three people and wanton destruction of property valued at millions of naira.

According to him, "we are surprised at the records of the unfortunate crisis in Ilorin, the town of peace and harmony. We are therefore using this medium to appeal to all our youths to always take their grievances to elders rather than taking laws into their hands. If we follow this method, we will have lesser crises among ourselves."

Saraki, the senator representing Kwara Central added, "the state government must be commended for the swift action it has taken. Since I arrived yesterday (Saturday) I have noticed some calmness and peace. We are very hopeful that such a thing will not occur again and the kind of atmosphere we are experiencing now is the wish of the people and that of the state government.

"I think on the basis of that, whatever needs to be done, either law or executive action, I am sure the state will do that. We will support anything that will ensure the sustainability of this level of peace and tranquillity."

He added, "I believe that the level of violence perpetrated by the hoodlums is totally unacceptable in any society. The challenges of unemployment are still not an excuse for this kind of behaviour. Our community is known for peace. We must continue to protect that image; that is the image we inherited from our forefathers.

It is the responsibility of parents to ensure our children understand that Kwara State is a peace loving environment. We are not accustomed to violence. It is the responsibility of all parents, community and government to ensure peace."

Zubir thanked the senator and pledged continuous supports for peaceful co-existence in the town just as he believed that all the parties in the crises had since learnt their lessons.