Distressed and depressed by the ethno-religious killings in Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari has urged religious, community and traditional leaders to do more in promoting peaceful co-existence.

He also appealed to Nigerians to learn to live together in peace and harmony.

The president made the appeal when he received leaders of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), led by Rev Dr Dachollom Datiri at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday.

“As an organised institution (COCIN), I have no reason to doubt your report on the atrocities being committed in your communities including the killing of Idris Alkali, a retired Maj.-Gen., the dumping of his car into a pond and the body of the deceased thrown into a disused well.

“The communities (in Plateau) have lived long enough to know that there is nothing they can do without each other than to live together in harmony.

“As leaders, we must persuade the upcoming generation, using every channel particularly the educational institutions to live together with our neighbours.’’

Buhari, who used the occasion to underscore the important role religious leaders’ play in engendering peace, lauded the exemplary role of the Imam in Plateau State who risked his life to save hundreds of Christian families fleeing attacks in June.

Buhari assured the Christian delegation that he would continue to exert pressure on the Nigeria Police Force to do the needful in protecting lives and property. (NAN)

•President Buhari, Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Danlung, President of COCIN, Rev Dr. Dachollom Datiri, Vice President COCIN, Rev Dr. Obed G. K. Dashan.