The new Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, on Friday, declared that the killing of innocent Nigerians must stop.

Musa, who was the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, said students must return to schools and farmers back to their farms without fear of terror.

Speaking upon resumption of office at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, the Army general said there is no more time to allow terrorism and criminality.

The new minister received a rousing welcome by officials of the Ministry, who sang solidarity songs, as he formally assumed office.

However, Musa said: “We do not have time, we are going to hit the ground running and we must respect the human rights of Nigerians.

“Our loyalty is to Nigeria and the Nigerian people, the shedding of innocent blood must stop.

“Children should be able to go back to school, and farmers should visit their farms without fear. And with the support and prayers we are getting from all Nigerians, we can’t fail.”

President Bola Tinubu had nominated Musa for the role of the Minister of Defence following the resignation of Mohammed Badaru.

On Thursday, the Senate confirmed the former Chief of Defence Staff after rigorous grilling and he was confirmed.

On Friday, Musa was sworn in by President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.