The Department of State Services (DSS) has alerted 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.
In a press release made available to the media on 11 January by its Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya, the security service disclosed that 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.
It, therefore, advised Nigerians “to be wary of these antics and shun all divisive tendencies aimed at inciting or setting them against one another.”
It further warned those hatching these plots to desist from such in the interest of peace, security, and development of the country.
“However, law-abiding citizens (and residents) are encouraged to report suspected breaches of peace around them to the nearest security agencies,” it said.
The full text of the press release can be read below:
PRESS RELEASE
PLOTS TO INCITE RELIGIOUS VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA
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 centers, 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.
While the Service pledges to collaborate with sister agencies to ensure that public order is maintained, those hatching these plots are warned to desist from such in the interest of peace, security, and development of the country. However, law-abiding citizens (and residents) are encouraged to report suspected breaches of peace around them to the nearest security agencies.
Peter Afunanya, Ph.D
Public Relations Officer,
Department of State Services,
National Headquarters,
Abuja
11th January 2021
