Council of the Church Of Christ In Nations (COCIN) on Thursday lamented the killings in Plateau state and called on Government to rise to the occasion
“Government must remember that if justice is not seen to be done, it will appear that Government is herself fanning the embers of crisis.”
The conflicting reports about the identity of those killed on Rukuba Road, and their mission is also very worrisome.
We, therefore call on the government to conduct an unbias investigation to clear rumours, doubts and accusations.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by Rev Dachollom Datiri, and Rev. Assoc. Prof. Benjamin Pokol, COCIN President and General Secretary, and made available to newsmen in Jos.
The statement reads that COCIN condemns in unequivocal terms the recent attack and killings along Rukuba road Jos of commuters and the attendant reprisals.
“As a church, we hold dearly the sanctity of life and abhor in no uncertain terms the ceaseless bloodbath that has claimed numerous precious lives.”
In a similar vein, the church condemns the mowing down of hectares of farms and crops in Bassa, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi Local government areas
“These acts are barbaric, savage, wicked, demonic, uncivilized, and unacceptable, to say the least.”
“COCIN commiserates with the governments and people of Plateau and Ondo states over the recent unfortunate incidence in Jos. The Church wishes to offer her condolences to the families of the victims of these dastardly acts. May you know God’s comfort, help, and strength in these trying moments.”
“We call on Government to rise to the occasion, take responsibility for the wanton destruction of lives, crops, and properties.”
The statement also reads that Government must do everything in its constitutional power to project the ideals of justice, righteousness, equity, and fairness to all Nigerians, irrespective of their tribes, religions, political and ethnic inclinations.
While we commend the swift response of the securities and the Federal Government to the Rukuba Road killings, we wish to call on the securities in a similar fashion specifically the OPSH to as a matter of urgency use their intelligence and capacity to arrest and prosecute those terrorizing our communities in Bassa, Riyom, Jos North and Barkin Ladi LGAs.
We commend the government for having placed the curfew which helped to check the escalation of the crisis and possible reprisal attacks. However, securities need to intensify efforts during curfews as experience has shown that people are still being attacked and killed.
COCIN is committed to the pursuance of peace and to peaceful coexistence. We will continue to partner with the authorities to ensure that peace is enshrined in our communities.
At the same time, citizens must remain at a heightened state of alert and reject the natural resort to self-help
On the other hand, security agencies should be seen to be responding to distress calls by all communities and act professionally, dispassionately, and fairly in all situations where people face existential threats.
We appeal to both the state and the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency attend to the needs of over 30,000 people displaced from 39 Irigbe communities in Bassa L.G.A. currently in the IDP camps in Miango and Kwall.
We equally call on COCIN Ministers and Members to take immediate steps and provide emergency humanitarian assistance to those affected by this crisis. Do not linger on this matter, please.
