by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The President of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), has expressed concern with the saddened loss of lives, the destruction of many houses, the displacement of families, and the overwhelming atmosphere of fear that these attacks have sown within Plateau communities.
The ECWA President, Rev. Dr. Job Ayuba Baggat, noted that “In the wake of the tragic terrorist attacks that have claimed the lives of over one hundred innocent individuals in Bokkos and Bassa Local Governments Area of Plateau State, we extend our deepest condolences to the families affected by this heinous act of violence.”
A statement was signed and issued to newsmen in Jos on Saturday by the ECWA President, Rev. Dr. Job Ayuba Baggat.
“We stand in solidarity with the victims, their families, and all those who are grappling with the unimaginable grief of this tragedy. We pray for comfort for the families that have lost their loved ones as a result of the barbaric attacks,” Rev. Dr. Baggat stated.
He called on relevant government authorities, NGOs, religious bodies and well-to-do individuals to embark on providing emergency assistance to the affected communities, especially the displaced persons, and noted that “The concern, passion, and measures taken by the current state administration are commendable.”
However, the church implored the government to heighten and sustain its effort to safeguard the lives and property of the various communities in the state by rejuvenating its security architecture.
While calling on the Federal Government to explore modalities of tackling the problem of insecurity in the country with lasting effect, the ECWA President further advised all communities to wake up to their responsibility of “being sensitive and observant” of any security threats manifesting in their environments.
He said there is need to realize that these attacks are not just assaults on the individuals and families affected; they are assaults on humanity itself. “It is our collective responsibility to denounce such acts of terrorism and violence, which arise from hatred and division.
“We must reject the ideologies that seek to dismantle the fabric of our communities, and instead, cultivate a spirit of love, understanding, and mutual respect,” he stated.
Rev. Dr. Baggat further urged all members of ECWA and friends in the broader community to come together in prayer and action.
“We must engage in meaningful dialogue to foster reconciliation and healing. Let us support those, who are suffering, providing both material aid and emotional support, as they navigate this difficult time,” he said.
“As we move forward, let us remember the words of our Lord, Jesus Christ, in Matthew 5:43-48, which admonish us to be ‘beacons of hope and love in times of darkness.’ As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, and together we can help rebuild trust and understanding in the wake of this excruciating pain.
“Let us mobilize our faith to dismantle the ideologies of fear, and instead, become champions of love and compassion. In the face of adversity, we must rise as one community, committed to ensuring that such acts of terror are met with resolve, solidarity, and a dedication to the values we uphold.”