Appeals to bandits, unknown gunmen, kidnappers to sheath their swords and end violence.
The Chairman, Nigeria Red Cross Society, Anambra State Chapter, Professor Peter Emeka Katchy, has made a fervent and passionate appeal to bandits, kidnappers and Unknown Gunmen to stop all forms of killings and abductions going on across the country.
Professor Katchy made the appeal at an event to mark the 158th Birthday Anniversary of founder of Red Cross International, Sir Jean Henry Dunant, and also to mark the 2021 World Red Cross Day, celebrated on 8th May, every year.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Stop the Killings, Stop the Kidnappings, Humanity is Unstoppable” at the State Red Cross headquarters, Amawbia, Professor Katchy, a Gold Medalist, called for peaceful resolution of all disputes.
He lamented that every day, news report s reveal what happens when racial, ethnic, communal conflicts, political interests, economic hardship and religious animosity join hand with lawlessness against national, community and families torn apart by the militating issue. towards an end in the spate of violent attacks and killings in the country. Pointing out that the Society is neutral in hostilities, he said the body has done its bit in the context of advocacy and implications of failure to embrace conflict resolution.
Professor Katchy further observed that the most common causes of violence include hatred, jealousy, greed, selfishness rooted and fueled by ignorance, regretting that impressionable youths and able bodied adults are often the targets of those groups for recruitment in violent clashes.
According to him: “The miserable loud wailings all over the nation sequel to wanton killings and Kidnappings of people all over Nigeria is a terrible concern, extreme worry, fear fright and trepidations. “This particular situation has drastically reduced human value and has decimated humanity. We, therefore, fevently and passionately beg every Nigerian to be involved in this campaign banner: “Stop the Killings, Stop the kidnappings, Humanity is Unstoppable.”
Accompanied by his predecessor and Emeritus Chief Judge of the State, Justice P.A.C. Obidigwe and his Vice, His Worship, Magistrate, Rita Ngozi Nzekwu, Professor Katchy observed the disregard of with of life in the country. He said:”It is crystal clear that the street value of every Nigerian for now could be a coffin. Nigerians can die at anytime in a situation of maximum violence. People are meeting their untimely and sudden deaths in unforeseen circumstances.”.
The State Chairman continued: “The present security situation is a clear threat to national peace as conflicts and violence are forcing millions to leave their homes and seek for safety elsewhere as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in very difficult situations. To achieve peace in the present time, he advocated for peace, treaty and equity, stressing:”Total conflict resolution contributes decisively to the dissipation and elimination of human needs and provide the foundation for lasting peace which reinforces viable sustainable everything development that liberates the resources needed for national development, peace and progress.”
The Gold Medallist Red Cross genius noted that the monster called violence is on the loose and is caused mainly by hatred and fear, stressing that: “if it must be caged, we must understand the origins of such hateful violence. “The most common causes of violence are hatred, jealousy, greediness, selfishness rooted and fueled by ignorance. “… Impressionable youths and able-bodied adults are often the target of those groups for recruitment in violent clashes. Hatred and animosity are consequences of violence throughout the world between various ethnics, communities and national groups which gave refused to die despite the best efforts of national leaders. The cycle of violence progresses even more quickly sequel to ignorance, bigotry and propaganda,” Katchy added.
He called for an end to even long standing animosities and generational disputes that involve violence, advocating Dialogue, Treaties and Negotiations (DTN). “It is very pertinent now to promote and propagate peace in a special campaign under the code name: People on War with the slogan “Even Wars Have Limits,” He asserted.
In a vote of thanks, the the State Vice Chairman, Magistrate Rita Nzekwu, thanked all who assisted in making the event a success.
Also present on the occasion were the State Secretary, Engineer Kingsley Okoye, the State Legal Adviser, Barr. Doris Agbidion, South East Zonal Woman Leader, Mrs Justina Mmaduabuchi, and the State Communication Coordinator, Mr Fidelis Ikeji, among other Executive Member.
Cutting of Sir Jean’s Birthday cake by the Red Cross life Member, Retired Justice Paul Obidigwe, and other members of the High table, formed part of the highlights of the event.
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