President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to community leaders to be proactive to stem the tide of violence in the country.
This, he said, could be done through regular dialogue.
He also advised Nigerians in general to develop the spirit of tolerance and patience at all times.
The president made the remarks on Saturday in reaction to the Thursday communal violence in Kasuwan Magani in Kaduna State.
No fewer than 55 lives were lost in the mayhem.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Garba Shehu, the president said the Kaduna violence was condemnable.
He described as worrisome, the frequent resort to bloodshed by Nigerians over misunderstandings that could be resolved peacefully.
“No culture and religion support the disregard for the sanctity of life,” he said, adding that “peaceful coexistence is necessary for the progress of any society and its wellbeing.”
He warned that running everyday business would be impossible without communal harmony.
“Violence cannot be an alternative to peace. On the contrary, reliance on it leads to ultimate self-destruction. Violence is an ill-wind that blows nobody any good. Embracing peace is a necessity,” he said.
He applauded the government of Kaduna State for quickly quelling it.
