DSS uncovers plot to cause ethno-religious crisis in Nigeria

…suspected groups mobilise

d foot soldiers, held meetings

Juliana Francis

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Saturday stated that it has uncovered a plot by some elements to stoke violence in parts of the country particularly the North Central, thereby causing ethno-religious crisis.

According to a statement signed by DSS’s spokesman, Peter Afunanya, the major target of the group was to ignite reprisals and heat up the polity.

Afunanya added that these nefarious groups were planning to hinge their attacks on the backdrop of the myriad socio-economic and educational plaguing the country, including the escalating cost of diesel, which had almost grounded many companies and media houses to a halt.

His words: “In a bid to achieve this, the sponsors have mobilised foot soldiers and held several meetings in and outside the target areas. The Service was also aware of a plot to use students, striking university teachers, labour unions, disgruntled individuals, and strategic groups as well as exploit the global energy situation to carry out a mass protest like the #ENDSARS. This is despite ongoing efforts by the government to address the issues.”

The image maker noted that while the Service views the machination as unpatriotic, it was on the trail of the agents of destabilisation who were desirous of using violence to achieve ulterior goals. “Though it has emplaced measures to disrupt these tendencies,” it warns the ring leaders and their cohorts to desist from acts capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.

He said that the public should rest assured that the Service would, in conjunction with other security agencies, go after the sponsors of this scheme and ensured that the law takes its course.

“Citizens are advised not only to engage according to rules but should resist persuasions to be used to destroy their own country.  Those who may wish to go contrary to the law will, however, face the consequences,” said Afunanya.