We must halt the forces of darkness
State Broadcast by the Governor of
Nasarawa State on the events in Jos
The events of the last few days in Jos, the Plateau State
Capital remind us all that our country is threatened by forces of darkness which
are bent on setting back the hands of the clock.
It is unbelievable that our dear Jos, the city where most of
us in the Middle Belt grew up and spent the better part of our lives could
suddenly become the vortex of slaughter and destruction of innocent lives on a
scale that places our humanity in doubt by the rest of the civilized world. The
unprovoked killings and mass destruction of property in Jos threaten all that
bind us together in the North Central Zone, and constitute a veritable danger to
the development of this poverty-stricken part of our country.
What happened, and is still happening in Jos is particularly
painful to the government and people of Nasarawa State. As everyone knows we in
Nasarawa State are common inheritors of Jos, a city which was our common capital
in former Benue Plateau and Plateau States until Nasarawa State was created out
of Old Plateau State five years ago.
Indeed, the families of many citizens of Nasarawa State who
worked and lived in former Plateau State still live in Jos. Nasarawa State
indigenes have extensive investments in Jos and continue to regard it as part of
their heritage.
Besides, Jos has assumed a place of pride in the hearts of
many Nigerians who have come to regard it as a very receptive and peaceful city.
Many Nigerians from all parts of the country own landed property in Jos and
indeed reside there. Its unique climate and serene terrain have made it the
haven for visitors from Nigeria and around the world. What has happened in Jos
is therefore, a sad day for Nigeria.
On behalf of the government and people of Nasarawa State, I
wish to condole all indigenes of Nasarawa State and all Nigerians who have lost
their dear ones and property in the mayhem in Jos. I condole the government and
people of Plateau State in whose domain this sad development has taken place.
What happened in Jos is another reminder of how far our people
are from God the Almighty whose main message in the Holy Quoran and the Bible is
Peace and righteousness. Neither Islam nor Christianity permits mass murder, and
destruction of lives. No one who truly believes in God will do anything close to
what has happened in Jos to fellow human beings.
I call on all citizens of Nasarawa State to maintain the peace
and to steer clear of any act that could breach public peace. We must stand on
guard against elements who will try to hide behind the sad events in Jos to
foment trouble in any part of Nasarawa State. We have only recently gone through
a very sad experience of violence in parts of our state. We thank God almighty
for the calm that is gradually returning to our state. We must resolve never
again to allow agents of destruction to breach public peace under whatever
guise.
All religious leaders, traditional rulers and local government
chairmen have been directed to monitor their domains closely in order to
forestall any act by anyone or group capable of breaching the peace. The
Commissioner of Police has been directed to ensure adequate security
surveillance to forestall any possible act that may constitute threat to public
peace.
I call on all elders and political leaders of Nasarawa State
to help educate their communities on the need for peace and peaceful
coexistence. As we saw only recently in parts of our state, violence hurts
everyone, and benefits none. We in Nasarawa State know the difference between
peace and turmoil, and must do everything not to allow ungodly elements disrupt
the peace.
I wish to re-emphasize the need for tolerance and for peaceful
coexistence. As I have stated over and over again, we either accept one another
and live in peace or risk the sad option of pain and destruction, which
senseless hatred often inflicts on our communities. We must embrace each other
and show love to all which is what our religions all preach.
No one should be in doubt about the resolve of our
administration to stop any act that threatens peace. Our people have suffered
enough pain and destruction. Government will not stand by and allow anyone to
threaten the peace in any part of Nasarawa State.
I appeal to all citizens of Nasarawa State to maintain the
peace and to report any movement in their communities that threatens the peace
to the nearest law enforcement agency for prompt remedial action.
Once again, I extend my hand of sympathy on behalf of the
people and government of Nasarawa State to all our citizens, and other Nigerians
affected by the crisis in Jos. The State Government is taking necessary measures
within its means to assist victims from the state. Details of these measures
will be made public by the State’s Emergency Relief Agency in due course.
May Almighty Allah grant the souls of those cut down in this
violence eternal rest, and comfort the bereaved.
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