Christian leaders in Plateau State, Nigeria, took to the streets of Jos in a solemn rally on Monday to protest the horrific Christmas Eve killings that claimed over 200 lives in the Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local government areas. In a poignant demonstration, the leaders, accompanied by a sea of placard-bearing followers, marched to the Government House in Rayfield, Jos, where they presented a 10-point agenda to Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
The leaders, including prominent figures such as Polycarp Lubo (Chairman of CAN in Plateau), Stephen Panya (President of ECWA), and Bishop Nkechi Nwosu of the Methodist Church, expressed deep sorrow and condemnation for what they described as "unprovoked, wicked, satanic, and genocidal" attacks on innocent residents. They emphasized that the timing of the recent assaults on Christians, specifically during Christmas, added to the gravity of the situation.
Presenting their 10-point agenda, the Christian leaders called on the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to facilitate the proscription of militias allegedly responsible for the persistent violence and destruction on the Plateau. Their demands included immediate justice for affected communities, security agencies' commitment to apprehend criminals, and the establishment of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) to address regional security challenges.
The leaders also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide adequate security for the 15,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Bokkos and called for the release of individuals allegedly arrested for defending their communities with self-defense implements. The demands encompassed ending intentional dispossession of land, destruction of farm produce, and cattle rustling.
In their submission, the Christian leaders underscored the urgency of these demands, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent further bloodshed and restore peace to Plateau State. The rally marked a significant call for justice and security, resonating with the grief-stricken residents affected by the Christmas Eve tragedy.
The response from the government, security agencies, and President Tinubu will be closely monitored, as the Christian leaders await concrete actions to address the spiraling crisis in Plateau State.
