Killings: Plateau needs assistance – NCPC’s boss

Rev Dr. Yakubu Pam, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), has raised the alarm that Plateau State requires assistance to mitigate the effects of the prolonged crises that have ravaged the state since 2001.

Rev Pam made the remarks while speaking as a keynote speaker at the inaugural Kamkur Samuel Foundation (KSF) Plateau Peace Conference, held at the SARAU Event Centre in Jos yesterday.

Plateau, he said, has seen a number of crises that have left thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) without food, clothing, or shelter, and who are dispersed across the state in various IDP camps.

The NCPC boss claimed that the recent events in Jordan, where many people were killed in various crises between July and August of this year, occurred while he was performing the 2020 pilgrimage.

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Many people thought the crisis that erupted in Jos in 2001 would last two to three days, but it has now lasted more than two decades, a situation he described as regrettable.

He said that in order for the crises to end, Plateau elites must unite and speak with one voice, avoiding violent acts that usually result in ethnically motivated speeches and sentiments.

Speaking on the topic of “Peaceful Coexistence,” he said that while there are many crises around the world, “our conflicts have lasted almost 20 years,” compared to Afghanistan, Israel, and Gaza, which he said had dragged on for much longer.

“When the Jos crisis began, everyone expected it to last two or three days, but it has unfortunately dragged on far too long.

“More than 60% of leaders are to blame for the serious problems we’re having in prolonging the Jos crisis. We must speak with one voice and avoid sentiments.

“Leaders must speak for everyone, not just one side. We must learn from the Kingdom of Jordan in order to end the crises.

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“Jordan has 10% Christians, but they live in perfect harmony with the rest of the country’s Muslim population. Even in their government, it is impossible to tell who is Muslim and who is Christian.

“We need to see people’s humanity. We must put an end to retaliation and encourage our youth to pursue meaningful endeavors.