President Muhammadu Buhari, has expressed regret that Nigerians had shed enough blood over issues that could have been peacefully resolved.

A statement on Sunday by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said Buhari spoke while reacting to the violence in Gombe State arising from the Billiri chieftaincy tussle.

The statement titled; ‘Billiri chieftaincy tussle: President Buhari condemns violence, calls for maximum restraint to avoid escalation’, quoted the President as expressing “great shock and deep concern” over the incident.

Buhari said; “I’m seriously disturbed by the outbreak of violence in Gombe State and call on the parties involved to exercise maximum restraint to avoid escalation.

“The easy resort to violence is uncalled for because there are enough avenues to resolve differences amicably without threatening law and order.

“In a circle of violence, there are no winners, except losers. Muslims and Christians should avoid the temptation of resorting to violence in order to express their grievances.

“Nigerians have shed enough blood over issues that could have been peacefully resolved. I appeal to the two parties to sheathe their swords for the sake of peaceful coexistence. Gombe has enjoyed relative religious harmony for decades and you shouldn’t allow hoodlums destroy this positive record.”