Attai Audu Jos.A Plateau based Philanthropist, Chief Sunday Agwa Audu, Garkuwan Bonugo Kwali has called for more proactive measures by Federal and Plateau State Governments towards ending the wanton destruction of lives and property in some parts of the state.Chief Agwa made this call at the weekend while lamenting the continuous killings in Bassa, Riyom and Jos North LGs of Plateau State.According to him, ” this is the time people supposed to feel the impact of their elected representatives at the state and National Assembly including those t
elected into offices that their. primary and cardinal objective is to stand to speak for the security of lives and property of the people .Chief Audu condemned the killing of over 70 Rigwe people , burning down of their houses, mowing down of riped farm crops and looting of domestic animals and household items by suspected herders in Bassa LGA .Chief Audu said what the Herders did to their host Rigwe Community of Bassa LGA was barbaric, evil and sheer wickedness and man’s inhumanity to man.”This act is not only barbaric but man’s inhumanity to man and therefore must be condemned by all” Audu saidThe Plateau- Abuja based Philanthropist added that he was deeply saddened and concerned on the situation and condition that the Rigwe people have been subjected to which will be difficult for them to cope.”You can imagine, after many years of living where you were born and brought up,and all of a sudden,your house is burnt down,some of your people killed, means of livelihood shattered and then you are placed as an IDP, this will not only be traumatic but horrific I must confess, quite worrisome” .He said as a son of the soil, this has caused him pains and anguish knowing fully well that his people are being annihilated and less effort is being injected into stemming down the perpetration of the evil against his people.On the way forward, , Chief Audu said the Government must demonstrate political Will in terms of dealing with the perpetrators or culprits via arrests, prosecution and dispensing of justice to the oppressed.He also reiterated the need for Plateau State Government to revive the functionality of the Operation Rainbow which will go a long way in mitigating the rate of the killings having being established with the rural based ideas of curbing crimes.He also called on the Federal and State Governments to as a way of ameliorating the quantum of challenges and hardships facing the Rigwe people,to come up with a strategy as to how they can swiftly provide humanitarian intervention as well as rebuilding of the burnt communities.He also condemn the killing of 22 people by hoodlums along Rukuba Road axis of Jos North on the 14th August,2022 saying there’s no justification whatsoever in taking the lives of fellow humans which they do not have power to create.He enjoined all to embrace peace as that is the only way development and growth can thrive in any society.He also charge his kinsmen and Herders to see each others as partners and brothers keepers.

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Attai Audu Jos.

Management of Plateau Indegenous Church (COCIN) has condemns in unequivocal terms the recent attack and killings along Rukuba road Jos of commuters and the attendant reprisals.

According to the Church leadership Headed by Rev. Prof.Dachollom Datiri and Secretary Benjamin Pokol , ” as a church, we hold dearly the sanctity of life and abhor in no uncertain terms the ceaseless bloodbath that has claimed numerous precious lives”

“In a similar vein the church condemns the mowing down of hectares of forms and crops in Bassa, Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local government areas’
these acts are barbaric, savage, wicked, demonic, uncivilized and unacceptable, to say the least”.

According to them, COCIN commiserates with the governments and people of Plateau and Ondo states over the recent unfortunate incidence in Jos.

They said the Church wish to offer her condolences to the families of the victims of these dastardly acts, stressing that God should comfort, help and strength in these trying moments.

The Plateau Church leaders called on Government to rise to the occasion, take responsibility for the wanton destruction of lives, crops, and properties.

” Government must do everything in its constitutional power to project the ideals of justice, righteousness, equity and fairness to all Nigerians, irrespective of their tribes, religions, political and ethnic inclinations” they demanded.

They further stressed that while they commend the swift response of the securities and the federal Government to the Rukuba Road killings, they wish to call on the securities in a similar fashion specifically the OPSH to as a matter of urgency use their intelligence and capacity to arrest and prosecute those terrorizing Plateau communities in Bassa, Riyom, Jos North and Barkin ladi LGAs.

“Government must remember that if justice is not seen to be done, it will appear that Government is herself fanning the embers of crisis”.

According to the church leaders,the conflicting reports about the identity of those killed on Rukuba Road, and their mission is also very worrisome.

They called on the government to conduct an unbias investigation to clear rumours, doubts and accusations.

” We commend the government for having in placed the curfew which helped to check the escalation of the crisis and possible reprisal attacks. However, securities need to intensify efforts during curfews as experience has shown that people are still being attacked and killed”.

They assured the government that COCIN is committed to the pursuance of peace and to peaceful coexistence as the church will continue to partner with the authorities to ensure that peace is enshrined in their communities.

” At the same time, citizens must remain at heightened state of alert, and reject the natural resort to self help,”

On the other hand, they challenged security agencies that they should be seen to be responding to distress calls by all communities and act professionally, dispassionately and fairly in all situations where people face existential threats.

” We appeal to both the state and the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency attend to the needs of over 30,000 people displaced from 39 Irigbe communities in Bassa L.G.A. currently in the IDP camps in Miango and Kwall.

We equally call on COCIN Ministers and Members to take immediate steps and provide emergency humanitarian assistance to those affected by this crisis. Do not linger on this matter” they appealed.

They charge their church members through out the state to join them to pray for the peace of Jos.
” Let us pray for peace in Plateau State. Let us pray for peace in Nigeria.

” May God comfort the grieving; may God heal the wounded and may God protect and provide for the displaced.” They prayed.

Rev, Prof. Dachollom C. Datiri Rev. Assoc. Prof. Benjamin Pokol
COCIN President General Secretary

Attai Audu Jos.

The Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rev. Yakubu Pam has led Nigeria Christian pilgrims in Jordan on a marathon prayer against the current security, economic and political woes in Nigeria.

Pam, who led the prayer congress in Jordan, during a service at Mount Nebo, affirmed that there would be peace in Nigeria after this Pilgrimage.

He informed that without lover, tolerance for one another, there will be no peace and development in Nigeria.

He called on Christians to be still in the face of trials and temptations so that the Lord who is a good Shepherd would see them through and deliver them from all their travails.

Pam also admonished them to learn how to forgive one another, as Christ would always forgive us, adding that the moral conduct of the pilgrims is encouraging and satisfying.

Rev. Pam expressed gratitude to God that the intercession prayer offered by Nigerians since the pilgrimage started is yielding result in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.

“Because of the good report, because of the good testimonies that people are receiving in Nigeria about the pilgrims, people are willing to come over here to pray for the prosperity of our nation.

“This pilgrimage is very important and significant to Nigeria especially because of what our country is currently facing, what we are doing here is intercession for our country.

”I want you to know that we are here on a serious business of intercession for our dear country Nigeria. It is as a result of our intercession in this pilgrimage that we are recording more successful stories in the country.

“God is with us and we will win the battle. I believe that the battle has already been won, we will only wait for the physical manifestation,” he said.

Pam added that the prayer of Christians at this pilgrimage has helped Nigeria to remain focus in tackling recent challenges confronting the Nation.

The NCPC boss, later inaugurated four committees among the Pilgrims to provide advisory services and policy direction in the area of Agriculture, tourism, ICT, policy formulation and spirituality.

Pam also noted that Nigerians are intelligent, smart and also fast learners, saying the pilgrims have learnt something in these short period they have spent in Jordan, in some of the areas mentioned above.

”We can develop ideas from what we have seen here in Jordan, that can help develop our country, Nigerians are performing wonders in every continent of the world,

”We can channel this energy to Nigeria, develop it, empower our youths and make the country a giant again,” he added.

On his part, the Senior Special Adviser to The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. testimony Onifade said God is taking Nigeria out of captivity.

Onifade who delivered the sermon, took his reading from the book of 2 Samuel 9 vs 3, described Moses as a Prophet chosen by God.

He noted that God brought Moses to Mount Nebo and show him the promise land but God said he will not enter the promise land.

He stressed that Nigeria is moving out of it current challenges to the land flowing with milk and honey.

There were Pilgrims from Plateau, Bauchi, Enugu, Lagos, Benue, Gombe, Kogi and Osun states who attended the prayer service at the Mount Nebo.

The Adagwom Jos Izere Chiefdom Jos North, Adagwon Emmanuel Ajik has called on the people of Jos Izere Chiefdom to embrace peace and have respect for human sanctity which he said is the bedrock for peaceful coexistence.The royal Father made the plea in a statement following the 24- hour curfew imposed by the plateau state government to contain any threat to security breach in Jos North.The royal Father condemned in totality the recent killings in parts of Jos North, Bassa and Riyom.He described such acts as unholy and inhuman.Adagwom Emmanuel Ajik appeal to inhabitants of the area to shelve their sword and tow the path of peace and peaceful coexistence.The royal Father commended the resilience and steadfastness of Governor Simon Lalong and the Management Committee Chairman of Jos North Local Government Shehu Bala Usman for their relentless commitment to ensure prompt attention and reaction to security breach in the area.The royal Father assured of the commitment of the Traditional Council of the Jos Izere Chiefdom to engage all relevant stakeholders in the peace process in order to restore confidence and peaceful coexistence in his jurisdiction.He caution Youth to resist any temptation of taking laws into their hand and to report any suspicious movement to security operatives.

Attai Audu Jos.

Governor Simon Lalong on Wednesday called for permanent solution to the persisting attacks in Bassa Local Government Area which has led to loss of lives and properties.

Lalong made this Appeal at Jos Government House Jos when he held two separate meetings with leaders of Irigwe and Fulani communities from Bassa LGA of his state.

Governor Lalong at the meetings frowned at the persisting clashes in Bassa LGA which has continued even till Tuesday night when five people were killed in Chando Zrreche despite the dusk to dawn curfew still in place in the Local Government Area .

During the separate meetings with the two groups held behind closed doors, Governor Lalong expressed displeasure that there has been a lot of criminality in the area which has been given tribal and religious connotations that have snowballed into wanton destruction of lives and properties.

He recalled the efforts of the Plateau State Government in resolving the conflicts between farmers and herders in Bassa which led to commitments that have not been kept over time.

This he said is disturbing as similar commitments have brought substantial peace to other Local Governments.

Lalong called on the leaders of the two groups to be frank and discuss why there have been consistent attacks resulting in the killing of farmers and herdsmen as well as destruction of crops and cattle.

Paramount leader of Irigwe land, HRH Rev. Ronku Aka, the Brra Ngwe told the Governor that his people are peace loving and accommodating, and willing to live in peace with other people including Fulani who they have coexisted together peacefully for many years.

The issues causing friction according to him are the persistent damage to their crops and attacks on farmers who have been impoverished and rendered homeless.

He assured the Governor that despite the challenges of the past, his people are willing to forgive the past and live peacefully with not only Fulani but other people.

He also appealed for more presence of security personnel in the area and pledged to fish out criminal elements within his domain.

The Royal Father asked Government to support those displaced or injured in the conflicts and those whose farmlands have been destroyed and are in distress.

During the meeting with the leaders of the Fulani community, Chairman MACBAN Plateau State, Alhaji Nura Muhammed said Fulani herders who have lived in Bassa for a very long time have continued to suffer attacks resulting in deaths, stealing or killing of cattle.

He said the issue of “farmer-herder clashes” is nothing but criminality which must be treated as such.

According to him, those who engage in killing Fulani, Irigwe or destroying farmlands and cattle must be fished out and punished to serve as deterrence to others.

Alhaji Nura Muhmamed assured the Governor that his people are willing to peacefully live with other communities and also fish out criminal elements in order to ensure lasting peace.

While calling on Government to look into the plight of herders who have suffered losses, he emphasised justice, tolerance and sincerity among leaders to guide the youths on the need for peaceful coexistence. He said Fulani who have been displaced are willing to return and live in peace.

After the closed door meeting, the Governor assured them that the concerns raised will be addressed by the Government but the huge responsibility lies with the two communities that must be determined to address all issues through lawful means and also commit to tolerate and accommodate one another.

He also informed them that the State will soon launch the Livestock Transformation Programme which will provide for Ranching and value addition to cattle rearing and associated businesses.

This he said will reduce the stress on land and water which is shrinking with more demands.

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Attai Ogwunenwa Audu Jos

The Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam has expressed shock over the deaths of Alhaji. Ibrahim Nasiru Mantu former Deputy Senate President, 7th Assembly, and Hon. Stephen Kibadau both, astute politicians from Plateau state.

Rev. Pam in a statement through his Media aide Ayuba Pam which was made available to Oracle Reporters in Jos, said he receive

the news of the demise of the late Deputy Senate President as a surprise,but
. however said “death was a necessary end as we shall all depart this world at the allotted time given to us by God our Creator”. Pam said!

I Rev Pam described the losses as too painful to Plateau state and Nigeria at large assessing the roles the deceased played while still alive in the development of the state and Nigeria.

He said his acquaintance with the two was on peace and development which they do talk about when the time warranted.
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Rev Pam said they will surely be missed considering their grassroots background as Politicians who knows their onions.

While commiserating with the families of the two elder statesmen, Rev Pam also console with the Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong as Chief mourner.

He prayed God for the peaceful repose of their souls and urged the immediate families of the deceased to take solace in God who gives and takes.

Senator Ibrahim N Mantu An Iroko Tree Has Fallen- Laments Senator Hezekiah Dimka.Attai Audu Jos.Senator Hezekiah Dimka has described the death of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ibrahim Nasiru Mantu (Wazirin Pyam) as a huge loss to the people of Plateau and the country.Mantu was elected Senator in 1999 and became Deputy Senate President on August10, 2001.Chairman, Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Hezekiah Ayuba Dimka while commiserating with his family and political associates, said the death of Senator Mantu has robbed the state of a true and detribalized, committed political figure, who operated beyond religious and ethnic boundaries while in service and out of it.Dimka said during his service years as Senator representing Plateau Central Senatorial Zone, he was on record to have touched numerous lives he knew and didn’t, thereby exposng them to the national stage without recourse to where they came from.Dimka said ” as we reflect on the life and times of Senator Mantu, we will be able to appreciate the need to live together in peace while cherishing our humanity as a people; given current situation in the state”.Dimka prayed Allah to grant his soul and other departed faithful rest in Aljannah firdaus.

Deputy Speaker Wase mourns Ex Deputy President of the Senate Ibrahim Nasiru Mantu.Attai Ogwunenwa Audu Jos.The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, . Hon Ahmed Idris Wase has described the passing away of Senator Ibrahim Nasiru Mantu as painful and sad.Mantu, a former Deputy President of the Senate, died on Monday at the age of 74.In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Umar Muhammad Puma which was made available to Daily Independent, the Deputy Speaker said the death of Senator Mantu is a big loss not only to the people of Plateau state and the leadership of the National Assembly, but the country at large.”Senator. Mantu would be remembered for his selfless service to his fatherland.“My condolences goes to his immediate family, the Plateau state government and I pray to Almighty Allah to accept his good deeds and forgive his shortcomings and reward him with Jannatal Firdaus”,

Attai Audu Ogwunenwa.

Nigeria 6th batch of Christian Pilgrimage to Jordan have fervently prayed for God’s divine intervention on the prevailing security challenges in different parts of the country.

The pilgrims, who entered into a covenant with God at Mount Nebo where Moses sighted the promise land, petitioned God to deliver Nigeria from the hands of her enemies who are bent on destroying the nation.

While praying against the spirit of anger, destruction and disobedience, the Christian Pilgrims noted that life without God is meaningless.

The pilgrims who were divided into groups, prayed for economic prosperity of the nation, youth development and peaceful co-existence in the country.

The Christian Pilgrims prayed fervently for Nigerians leaders, especially President Muhammadu Buhari, his cabinet and members of the National Assembly for God’s wisdom to lead the country out of the current woes.

A tour guard, Mueen Akroush, who led the pilgrims round Mount Nebo and other Holy sites, gave an insight into the Biblical history of the sites and their imperatives to the present day.

He also led the pilgrims to Hisbon which is widely identified with one of the cities of the Plain, Heshbon due to similarities of their names as captured in Number 21:26.

Akroush explained that “Hisbon formerly ruled by the Amorite King Sihon and the region of central Jordan was referenced in the Song of Solomon 7:3” which says “your eyes are like pools on Hashbon.”

He said Hisban was fortified in the Roman Byzantine period and later called Esbus, was important station on early Christian Pilgrims’ route from Jerusalem to Mount Nebo via the Jordan River.

According to Deuteronomy, Moses ascended Mount Nebo to view the Land of Canaan, which God had said he would not enter and he died in Moab.

Akroush said Moses was buried on the mountain according to Christian tradition, although his place of burial is not specified Deuteronomy 34:6.

Attai Audu Jos.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong on has expressed shock over the death of former Deputy Senate President, Alhaji Ibrahim Nasiru Mantu (Wazirin Pyem), describing it as a great loss to Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

Governor Lalong in a statement on Tuesday in Jos through his media aide Dr Simon Makut Macham and made available to Daily Independent, said he received the news of the demise of the elder statesman and erudite politician with a heavy heart, recalling his enormous contributions to the socio-political development of the State and the nation at large.

According to the Governor, “Late Senator Nasiru Mantu was a grassroots politician whose life was all about the interest of the people as he did everything within his power to serve them through empowerment and quality representation.

Lalong said Senator Mantu earned his place in Nigerian politics by active involment and also had a great connection with the youth whom he mentored not only in politics, but in other fields, especially service to humanity.

Lalong added that the State will miss the voice of peace and unity as well as an advocate of social cohesion and tolerance which the late Deputy Senate represented particularly during the trying moments of its history.

” Until his death, he continued to avail the Government his wealth of experience and knowledge in running the affairs of the people of Plateau state”.

The Governor Plateau Governor also said the State remains grateful for his political representation as two-term Senator representing Plateau Central Zone where he emerged Deputy Senate President and did a lot to project and protect the interests of Plateau State at the red chambers which attracted many projects and programmes of the Federal Government to the State and also ensured that Plateau citizens were represented at various levels of the federal administration.

Lalong condoled with the widow of the deceased, his children, people of Pyem Chiefdom and the entire State over the death of the late political leader whose contributions to the growth of democracy in Nigeria remain indelible.

Lalong prayed God to forgive his sins and grant his soul eternal rest.

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