The Deputy Head of Mission in charge of the affairs of the United States Embassy in Nigeria, David Young, shared his thoughts on the ongoing killings in Nigeria.

Young made the statement when he spoke to reporters after a Christian meeting in Jos, the capital of Plateau State, on Sunday, August 19.

Many people are dead; These are terrible tragedies. We want to affirm the sanctity of human lives and every time a person dies, it is a tragic loss, be it Christian, Muslim, Berom, herdsmen or farmer.

I think it’s clear, we know it and the government knows it too. Many people do good things and work hard. But this must be even more important because it is clear that there is a climate of impunity. When people commit serious crimes, they get away without being brought to justice.

It is so important that considerable efforts are made to bring people to justice for these terrible crimes. It is also important to tackle the drivers of conflict, seize opportunities, fight poverty and create jobs and create hope for young people. Because young people find themselves permanently in terrible groups. They really need to be part of the future and, as such, need mentorship and parenting.