by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
JOS: The Garden in Honour of Victims of Insurgency in Nigeria, which was built by Center for Caring, Empowerment and Peace Initiatives (CCEPI) and which has been dedicated to 160,000 names of the victims killed by the act of insurgency since 1980 to date, has been formally commissioned – with a book launch.
While disclosing this during the commissioning, by the Executive Director, CCEPI and UN Humanitarian Award Winner, Dr. Rebecca Samuel Dali, she said, “The garden is to immortalize the over 160,000 souls that perished in such horrible circumstances, out of which 501 are from Dogo Nahawa.” The event was held on Sunday, at the office at Dwel Du, in Jos South Local Government Area of the State.
She explained that CCEPI has, over the years, been caring for survivors of insurgency through the provision of basic necessities of life like foodstuffs and shelter, and has also trained others in vocations like tailoring, knitting, catering and computer.
According to her, they are from the Infamous Maitatsine era, Boko Haram and many other violence acts across Nigeria and parts of Cameroon.
While noting that, with the stoppage of support from some donor agencies, there is a need for them to look inward, and that is why all the proceeds from the book launch will be dedicated to serve the over 120 survivors that are under the organization.
The director further appreciated her guests for show of their love, which is a clear indication that their hearts are for the less-privileged, adding, ‘The book captured the stories of the survivors of attacks by the infamous Maitatsine, the dreaded Boko Haram and many other acts of insurgency.”
The Plateau State Government also reaffirmed its willingness to partner with the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), CCEPI, towards cushioning the plight of the less-privileged citizens, especially victims of insurgency.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Arch. Samuel Jatau, during the inauguration of the Memorial Garden in honour of victims of insurgency in Nigeria and a book launch by the Executive Director of Center for Caring, Empowerment and Peace Initiative (CCEPI).
The governor further encouraged the organization to keep faith alive, assuring them that God will sustain the organization because of their impact on humanity.
He stressed that, “An injury to one is an injury to all,” and called for a united force against insurgency, promising that the State Government will stand by the organization and support it to succeed in its humanitarian services, while noting that, “The State have enemies, and there is negative narrative going out there about the state, which we need to correct.
“We thank God we are doing it gradually, but with partners like you, we will be able to move fast. So, do not be discouraged; you are in the right track. I want to encourage you to continue doing it, and God will bless you,” he noted.
Speaking also, Senator Simon Lalong (representing Plateau South at the National Assembly), who was represented by his former Commissioner for Information, Dan Manjang, also commended the organization for what it is doing.
He said it is pathetic that they are gathered to remember those who were killed in a cruel way, and called on Nigerians to imbibe peace and love for one another and called for support for the survivors at all times.
While dedicating the book, titled, ‘We Bore The Brunt,’ by Dr. Rebecca Dali, the Executive Director of the Center, the President, Ekkilisiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria, EYN, Rev. Dr. Daniel Mbaya, read from the book of Zachariah 4:10 and Psalms 46:1 and called on the guests present to “stand for justice and always speak against injustice, violence or evil.”
According to him, the devil is using so many strategies to confuse people so that wickedness will continue to strive, saying, “Some of the strategies are to make others to see victims of violence ‘like they are suffering from their sins.’ ”
While congratulating the author of the book, the clergy said the book is a history of survivors and victims of insurgency. He used the occasion to disabuse the minds of those who always give negative narrative to the violence that, it’s “Farmers-Herders clashes.” According to him, he has not seen where a farmer moves around with his farm to attack herders.
Chairman of the occasion, CSP Mailafiya Yakubu, appreciated the work of the organization for giving hope to the survivors, as he revealed that humanity is his passion as a Police Officer. He called on perpetrators of violence to drop their swords and embrace peace – for the sake of God and humanity.