The Department of State Services has raised a fresh alert over alleged plots to cause ethnic and religious violence in the country.

This was contained in a press statement by DSS’ Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya, titled ‘DSS reiterates call against violence’ on Wednesday.

The warning is coming amidst calls that herdsmen should vacate South-West over alleged killings and kidnappings.

The PUNCH reports that a Yoruba rights activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, and some prominent Nigerians in South-West have also asked killer-herdmen to vacate the region.

Also, some state governors have banned open and night grazing in their states to address banditry and the crisis between farmers and herders.

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Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, had suggested that a ban be placed on the movement of cattle from the north to the south.

The Nigeria security agency, however, said it resist divisive acts, adding that those found culpable would be made to face the full wraths of the law.

The statement read, “The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby reminds the public of its earlier warnings about plans by persons and groups to exploit some fault lines to cause ethno-religious violence in parts of the country.

“Latest developments indicate desperate efforts by these groups to subvert public order. In this regard, they have continued to resort to inciting, unguarded and divisive statements and acts. The objective is to pit citizens against one another in order to apparently inflame the embers of tribal and religious discords.

“For the umpteenth time, the Service strongly warns these elements to desist forthwith from their (planned) nefarious acts or face the full wraths of the law. However, the DSS will, in collaboration with other security and law enforcement agencies, take necessary steps to ensure the safety of lives and property of the citizenry.”