A large crowd of Christians in Jos, the Plateau State capital, on Monday, turned out in their numbers to register their displeasure for the attacks carried out simultaneously in Bokkos, Mangu and Barkin-Ladi LGCs on Christmas eve.
Security personnel had a hectic time controlling the mammoth crowd who were clad in black. They embarked on a peaceful walk to the state Government House, Little Rayfield Jos. In one accord they marched to the seat of government to cry out against the tragic loss of hundreds of lives during the Christmas Eve mayhem unleashed by terrorists which left hundreds dead and thousands injured.
Led by Rev. Dr. Stephen Baba Panya, President of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), and in collaboration with Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), presented their “10-point demand for peace” to Governor Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.
Rev. Panya expressed gratitude for proactive measures taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Mutfwang. However, he emphasised the need for more concerted efforts to address persistent attacks on Christians in Plateau State.
Highlighting the over 20 years of unchecked violence, resulting in thousands of deaths without proper prosecution, Rev. Panya called for urgent intervention, including the provision of emergency relief to the victims.
He acknowledged President Tinubu’s directive to relevant federal agencies for assistance and commended Governor Mutfwang’s efforts in condemning the attacks and providing aid to displaced survivors. He unequivocally demanded an end to the ongoing attacks and killings, seeking immediate justice for the affected communities.
Rev. Panya urged the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to officially designate the armed terrorist militias behind the killings as terrorists. He called for enhanced security measures for the over 15,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Bokkos and the reconstruction of destroyed communities.
Governor Mutfwang, while receiving the Christian community’s position, expressed gratitude for the support and assured of prompt delivery of the petition to President Tinubu. He acknowledged Tinubu’s commitment to ending the cycle of violence and emphasised the determination to secure the land, promising that the bloodshed would not be in vain.
Prominent church leaders, including CAN Chairman, Plateau State, Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, Catholic Archbishop of Jos, His Grace Mathew Ishaya Audu, Methodist Bishop, Her Lordship, Nkechi Nwosu, COCIN President represented by Rev. Prof. Pokol, PFN Chairman, Rev. Dunka Gomwalk, OAIC- Apostle M. Ewurum, Rev. Stephen Dangana and Rev. Gideon Para-Mallam joined the peace walk, demonstrating unity and collective concern for the plight of the affected communities.
