by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Christian community in Plateau State came together for a solemn Peace-Walk to Government House, Little Rayfield Jos, to commemorate the tragic loss of hundreds of lives and property worth millions of naira that were destroyed during the Christmas Eve attacks in Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
The solemn Peace-Walk was led by Rev. Dr. Stephen Baba Panya, President of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), in collaboration with Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). The community presented their “10-point demand for peace” to Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, on Monday.
Rev. Panya expressed gratitude for proactive measures taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Mutfwang, while emphasizing the need for more concerted efforts to address persistent attacks on Christians in Plateau State.
While highlighting the 22 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 further 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.
The ECWA President 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 15,000 internally-displaced persons (IDPs) in Bokkos and the reconstruction of destroyed communities.
According to him, the total number of people killed in cold blood so far is about 160 and still counting! IDPs are estimated now to be about 15,000, while eight Churches were burnt down: Baptist; Dares; CAC Mbong; COCIN Maiyanga; COCIN Ndung; COCIN Tahor; CAC Longhair; COCIN Ngha-buk and COCIN Church Hurum.
All the eight Pastoriums in the churches were also burnt down, and two Pastors of Baptist and Assemblies of God Church were killed in the attacks.
He said the breakdown shows that, 110 men, 37 women, 10 children, and 3 physically-challenged persons were burnt in their homes as they were unable to run, while a total of 25 villages were attacked in the well-coordinated military-style assault.
The breakdown of the villages, according to districts, was given as follows: Butura (4), Mbar (5), Tangur (4), Bokkos (6), Mushere (1), Mangor (4) and Mazat (1). Total number of cars and buses destroyed (8), Motorcycles (27), while those stolen by the attackers were 2. The total number of houses burnt is about three hundred and one (301).
In his response Governor Mutfwang, while receiving the Christian community’s position, expressed gratitude for the support and assured prompt delivery of the petition to President Tinubu.
He acknowledged Tinubu’s commitment to ending the cycle of violence, and emphasized the determination to secure the land, promising that the bloodshed would not be in vain.
Prominent Church leaders, who joined the Peace-Walk to demonstrate unity and collective concern for the plight of the affected communities, include: CAN Chairman Plateau State, Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo; Catholic Archbishop of Jos, His Grace Matthew 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.