By BASHIR ADEFAKA
The Department of State Services (DSS), the custodian of secrets of Nigeria, has alerted the public about plans by some elements it said are working with external forces to incite religious violence across the country.
This alert was made in a statement issued in Abuja by Public Relations Officer (PRO) of DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya, copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER on Monday.
According to the DSS Spokesman, the elements are targeting among other states Sokoto, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Rivers, Oyo, Lagos and states in the South East.
The Service has however warned those involved in carrying out the evils to desist as the it is committed to collaborating with sister agencies to ensure that public order is maintained, while urging citizens to say something when they see something wrong where breaches of peace around them are noticed by reporting them to the nearest security agencies.
“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.
“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,” Dr. Afunanya said.
