Residents of Jos, the Plateau State capital, on Monday took to the streets in protest against the incessant killings and kidnappings by suspected gunmen in the state.
The peaceful protest, which was led by Christian leaders under the umbrella of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), was in response to recent violent attacks that have claimed over 100 lives in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas in the past two weeks.
The protesters, including clergymen and women, young people, and members of affected communities, marched from the Fwavwei Junction community road, causing heavy gridlock and leaving commuters stranded for hours.
Many of the demonstrators carried placards with bold inscriptions such as ‘That they do not die in vain’, ‘We walk for peace’, ‘Stop the killings’, ‘Stop the bloodshed’, ‘Every life matters’, and ‘Let Plateau live’.
Speaking during the protest, the Plateau State Chairman of CAN, Rev. Polycarp Lubo, said the Christian community could no longer keep silent in the face of constant bloodshed. He was joined by other clerics and leaders of Christian groups in the state.
One of the protesters, Gyang Dalyop, told newsmen, “We are not happy over the continuous attacks and killings by gunmen in our communities. That’s why we have come out again to protest these happenings.”
Another demonstrator, Hannatu Philip, called on authorities to act swiftly before the situation worsens.
The protest is the latest response to the growing insecurity in Plateau, which has drawn widespread condemnation across the country.
Reacting to the killings, a faction of CAN in the 19 northern states had earlier demanded justice for the victims and an end to what it described as “senseless” killings.
The faction’s chairman, Rev. Yakubu Pam, said: “These repeated acts of violence are not only a violation of human dignity and the sanctity of life, but they are also a direct threat to the peace and unity of our state and the nation at large.”
He urged all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, security operatives, and community-based organisations, to unite against the cycle of violence that has plagued Plateau for decades.
“We also urge the government at all levels to take proactive steps to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further loss of lives,” he added.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on 14 April directed the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to address the “age-long” communal issues linked to the recurring violence in the state.
In a swift response, Governor Mutfwang on 15 April announced a set of security measures aimed at curbing the attacks. These include a ban on night grazing, restrictions on the movement of motorcycles after 7:00 p.m., and a prohibition on the transportation of cattle by vehicles during late hours.
Describing the killings as deliberate and targeted, the governor said: “These are coordinated acts of terror intended to displace our people and deny them their right to live peacefully on their ancestral lands.”
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also expressed concern over the crisis, warning that the masterminds behind the attacks would soon be apprehended.
As the protesters marched peacefully towards the Rayfield Government House in Jos, the message was clear: Plateau residents want peace, justice, and urgent action to end the killings.
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