Ekweremadu made the call while presiding at the plenary following a Point of Order 43 under matter of urgent national importance raised by Senator Shehu Sani (APC Kaduna Central) on the bloody violence.
The Deputy Senate President, who commiserated with the Kaduna State government and families of victims, expressed concern over the alleged religious coloration of the violence.
He particularly urged religious leaders to always preach about love, peace and unity of the country among their followers, pointing out that nothing instigated and escalated crisis more than inflammatory utterances.
“It is the duty of our leaders, both religious and political ones, to preach to our people that we are one with one destiny and one God that we all serve.
“I am not aware of any religion that preaches killings. There is no religion like that. We should try as much as possible not to encourage religious violence in the country”, he advised.
Earlier, Senator Sani was worried about escalating crises in the country, especially in Kaduna State where people were killed and several houses burnt during the latest violence.
According to him, the Monday violence was attributed to some youths who took laws into their hands as a result of religious issues.
He said: “Unfortunately, violence is fast becoming a way of life in Nigeria as we wake up every day to hear about killings, kidnappings and others. There is need to put an end to all these. We need to ensure peace and unity in the country”.
“I would like to appreciate the security operatives who rise to the occasion by putting the violence under control”.
Meanwhile, the state governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai has directed the prosecution of all persons responsible for the mayhem, insisting that the security agencies must investigate the incident, arrest and make the perpetrators available for prosecution.
The governor, according to a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, gave the directive shortly after receiving preliminary report of the mayhem.
He explained that the government condemns the violence, and regrets the wanton loss of lives. He further disclosed that the government has expressed its sympathy to the victims and their families.
He said the government has directed the State Emergency Management Agency to take inventory of damages and provide relief materials with immediate effect.
