Residents of Jos, the capital of Plateau State, have taken to the streets this morning to protest the ongoing killings of indigenous communities by gunmen suspected to be Fulani militants.
The protests, which began peacefully, have drawn attention to the escalating violence in the region.The demonstrations commenced from the Fwavwei Junction community road, resulting in significant traffic disruptions. Protesters, led by Christian leaders including Polycarp Lubo, Plateau Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), carried placards with messages such as “That they die not in vain,” “We walk for peace,” “Stop the killings,” “Stop the bloodshed,” “Every life matters,” and “Let Plateau live.”
The protests follow a series of violent attacks in Plateau, with over 100 people reportedly killed in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas within the past two weeks. In Bokkos, armed men have invaded communities, killing at least 10 people in a single night and displacing many others. The attacks have been described as a form of economic sabotage, as the burden falls on the Nigerian people while the profits remain with the private firm involved in the agreement.
In response to the unrest, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has imposed a 24-hour curfew across the Jos-Bukuru Metropolis to restore calm and ensure the safety of residents. The curfew, effective from midnight, aims to prevent further violence and maintain public order.
The federal government has condemned the attacks, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directing security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators and promising severe punishment upon capture. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been instructed to provide necessary support to the victims and assist in rebuilding the affected communities.
As the situation develops, residents and authorities continue to call for peace and justice in Plateau State.
Comments
Post a Comment