Nigeria’s war is with poverty, not itself - VP Shettima on Plateau killings

Shettima bemoaned the recent killings in Plateau by unidentified gunmen, calling the situation a national tragedy, while speaking at the Validation Workshop on the Framework for Anticipatory Action in Nigeria, which was hosted at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Abuja on Wednesday, April 16.

"It is not our business to fight. Shettima urged Nigerians of all races, religions, and geographical areas to embrace peace and solidarity, saying, "We should be fighting poverty."

He emphasized that the ongoing cycle of violence impedes the advancement of the country and deflects focus from pressing socioeconomic issues.

"With the tragedy taking place in Plateau State, the President's heart bleeds, as does my heart, and the heart of every responsible Nigerian and African," he said.

The vice president's comments coincide with heightened worries about the state of insecurity in the Middle Belt, especially in the Plateau, where numerous attacks have left scores dead and displaced.

The Office of the National Security Adviser organized the workshop, which brought together important players to discuss proactive measures to stop and address new security threats nationwide.

Participants responded favorably to Shettima's appeal for compassion and solidarity, framing peace as both a security imperative and a precondition for economic growth.

He continued by emphasizing the need for a coordinated national effort to address poverty, which he described as a primary cause of discontent, and saying, "Our diversity should be a strength, not a trigger for conflict."