DSS uncovers plots to incite religious violence

Etim Ekpimah

The Department of State Services (DSS) has warned of plans by some criminally minded individuals together with external forces to incite religious violence in Nigeria.

According to DSS, those individuals target states like Sokoto; Kano; Kaduna; Plateau; Rivers, Oyo, Lagos, and the rest of the South East.

This was contained in a release on Monday from the DSS Public Relations Officer, National Headquarters, Abuja, Dr. Peter Afunanya.

He added that part of the plans is to cause inter-religious conflicts by using their foot soldiers to attack some worship centres, religious leaders, personalities, key and vulnerable points.

The statement read: “The Department of State Services (DSS) wishes to alert the public about plans by some elements working with external forces to incite religious violence across the country.  Targeted States include Sokoto, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Rivers, Oyo, Lagos and those in the South East.

“Part of the plans is to cause inter-religious conflicts as well as use their foot soldiers to attack some worship centres, religious leaders, personalities, key and vulnerable points.

“Consequently, Nigerians are advised to be wary of these antics and shun all divisive tendencies aimed at inciting or setting them against one another.”

Afunanya pledges that the service will collaborate with sister agencies to ensure that public order is maintained, noting that those hatching the plots are warned to desist from them in the interest of peace, security, and development of the country.

He, however, asked law abiding citizens (and residents) to report suspected breaches of peace around them to the nearest security agencies.