The Nigerian Senate has called for a ceasefire in the Israeli-Hamas war which it claims has led to the death of over 10, 000 people, including women, children and journalists.
The upper chamber, which made the charge in a motion sponsored by Senators Mohammed Aliero and Kawu Sumaila on Tuesday, said the conflict, if allowed to fester, could lead to innocent people in the Gaza Strip being wiped out completely.
“From October 2023 to date, Israeli air attacks and shelling aimed at houses and apartment buildings have displaced some 123,538 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the UN humanitarian relief agency,” Senator Aliero said while defending his motion.
“Disturbed that the latest media reports, citing the Gaza Ministry of Health, indicate that the number of people killed in Gaza since October 7 has risen to over 8,000.
“Women, children and members of the press have made up more than 62 percent of the fatalities, while more than 15,273 people have been injured,” he noted.
Also contributing to the debate, Deputy President of the Red Chamber, Jibrin Barau, said world powers must do everything possible to put an end to the conflict.
“So many people have lost their lives, when you watch the television, you’ll see many dead persons. We should add our voices for permanent peace to prevail. Let the killing stop”, he said.
Another senator, Sani Musa called on Nigeria to be on the side of peace in the conflict.
“It is all about humanity. It is not about who is right or wrong. It is about the killing. If we are calling for peace, I don’t think there is any big deal.
“Nigeria should be seen to have voted on the side of peace. My heart bleeds when I see children and ladies being killed and schools being burnt,” Musa said.