Amid worsening violent ethnic clashes in Nigeria, the Emir of Lafia, Sidi Bage, has underscored the value of peace, urging communities across Nasarawa to embrace peace and tolerate one another, irrespective of their ethnic, religious, and political affiliations.

Mr. Bage made the call on Thursday during a Barkin Abdullahi chiefdom tour in the Lafia North Development Area of the state.

He said peace was necessary for the development of every society.

Mr. Bage, who is also the chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Traditional Rulers, said, “This visit will afford me the opportunity to know how my people are doing; to know their immediate problems so that solutions can be provided or I will pass their message, if any, to the government for necessary action.

“As custodians of culture and peace, it is our role to advise our subjects and other Nigerians on the need to live in peace and tolerate one another, irrespective of our ethnic, religious, and political affiliations.”

He, however, pointed out that peace was not negotiable.

“This is because peace is priceless, non-negotiable, and a necessary requirement for the development of any society. No society can achieve meaningful progress without peace. So, we must embrace peace at all times for development to thrive,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Lafia Local Government Council, Aminu Muazu, commended the emir for taking his time to visit his people toward ensuring peaceful co-existence in the state.

Mr. Muazu, represented by the council’s Secretary, Abubakar Mohammed, said his administration would continue to support traditional institutions to enable them to succeed.

(NAN)