… Plateau Peace Practitioners Network joins chorus.
by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
JOS: The Plateau State Peace Agency had expressed great dismay over deadly nocturnal attacks (by yet to be identified gunmen) on communities in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Riyom and Mangu Local Government Areas in the last few months.
The Director-General of the Agency, Ms. Julie G. Sanda, made this known in a statement signed and issued to newsmen in Jos on Monday.
The statement observing that, “The orchestrated attacks have left scores of people dead, especially vulnerable groups like women, children and the aged, while property worth millions of Naira were destroyed.
“Sadly, this wave of high-intensity violent attacks on hapless citizens, since April 2023, constitutes a clog in the wheel of our collective progress,” she said.
She added that, “The PPBA, therefore, commiserates with those, who lost their loved ones and property as a result of these attacks, and the entire peace-loving people of Plateau State over these unfortunate occurrences.
“The PPBA is most pained by this ugly incident because it appears that the forces of evil have risen against the people of the state.
“But, these renewed attacks on our communities should neither deter nor discourage us from finding enduring solutions to the issues at stake. If for anything, these renewed onslaughts on our people should spur us to galvanize our resolve now more than ever before, to building safe, secure and peaceful communities across the state,” she stated.
The DG further urged that, “All hands must be on deck in the fight against this common monster,” and, therefore, sued for calm and restraint from all and sundry, even in the face of provocation, and urged relevant security agencies to go after these killers with a view to arresting and prosecuting them so as to serve as deterrent to those, who may be contemplating carrying out such heinous crime in the future.
“The PPBA further calls on religious and traditional leaders to be alive to their responsibilities at such trying moments by preaching messages that will unite rather than divide us; and checking the influx of persons with questionable characters into their domains, respectively.”
According to her, “This is a time to see something, say something and act accordingly, because a stitch in time saves nine. Indeed, as a people, we must understand and appreciate the fact that this persistent violence is an ill-wind that blows no one any good because there is no alternative to peace and peaceful coexistence.”
On an assuring note, she said, “The PPBA is committed now more than ever before to the ongoing peace processes and will continue to engage with critical stakeholders across various divides, in order to address the recurring violence, while making efforts to rebuild trust and confidence amongst the diverse ethno-religious groups across Plateau State and beyond that would ultimately lead to genuine reconciliation and healing.”
She also called on all citizens to join hands with the PPBA and other such organisations to build a Plateau State that will be at peace with itself and the rest of the world.
In a related development, Plateau Peace Practitioners Network has equally joined forces of condemnation on the persistent killings on the Plateau:
“The Plateau Peace Practitioners Network (PPPN) is appalled by the senseless and brutal attack on innocent students and residents of Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas (LGAs) on April 18 and 19, 2024.
“According to police reports, 13 lives were lost in the attack, and we strongly condemn this heinous act and stand in solidarity with the affected families and communities, offering our deepest condolences and unwavering support during this difficult time,” from a statement signed by PPPN President, Nanmak D. Bali, and issued to our correspondent in Jos recently.
“As advocates for peace and unity, we urge the relevant authorities to take immediate action to investigate this cowardly act, bring the perpetrators to justice, and implement measures to prevent such atrocities from recurring.
“We call on all stakeholders, including government agencies, security forces, and community leaders, to work together tirelessly to restore peace and ensure the safety and security of all residents of Plateau State.”
He stressed, thus: “In the face of such adversity, let us reaffirm our commitment to peace, tolerance and coexistence. Together, we can overcome the forces of violence and build a brighter, more prosperous future for the people of Plateau State.
“The Plateau Peace Practitioners Network (PPPN) is a non-profit network of over 90 member organizations, including community-based organizations (CBOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and faith-based organizations (FBOs).
“We are dedicated to promoting peace, reconciliation, and conflict resolution in Plateau State, Nigeria, through advocacy, dialogue, and community engagement. We work towards building a more peaceful and harmonious society for all.”