The umbrella body for Nigerian Muslims, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has described the recent killings in some parts of Plateau, particularly in Bassa, Jos South and Riyom local government areas, as “abominable” and against the teachings of Islam.
Sani Mudi, the Publicity Secretary of JNI in Plateau State, said this in a statement on Saturday in Jos.
Gunmen, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, had invaded some communities in Miango chiefdom, killed and injured many persons, razed down houses and destroyed crops on farmlands.
Mr Mudi further described the development as “worrisome”, adding that it posed serious threats to the peace efforts of the state government.
He called on the affected persons to sheath their swords and embrace dialogue toward achieving lasting peace and harmony in all parts of the state.
Mr Mudi said the JNI in Plateau under the leadership of Muhammad Haruna, the Emir of Wase, views the attacks as an “attempt by some miscreants to reignite conflict in Jos North Local Government Area through unprovoked attacks on innocent citizens and destruction of properties.”
”JNI views the bloody crises in Bassa and Riyom as an abominable desecration of lives which is against the teaching of Islam.
“We therefore wish to appeal to all concerned to sheath the sword and embrace the path of peace and reconciliation.
“This can only be achieved by embracing dialogue, anchored on truth and sincerity, in our approach to resolving conflicts, which are inevitable in the nature of human relations,” the statement by Mr Mudi read in parts.
The JNI further advised “it is imperative to look deeply into the underlying causes of these conflicts” for lasting peace to be achieved in all parts of the state, as the crisis has defied all interventions so far.
The group commended Governor Simon Lalong and the security agencies for the efforts put in place by ensuring that the violent conflicts did not escalate to other parts of the state.
It urged the governor not to be deterred by these happenings but to remain focused on providing dividends of democracy to the people.
The JNI also urged the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of this heinous crime and their collaborators and ensure they faced the full wrath of the law.
“This will serve as a deterrence to would be perpetrators of violence and conflict merchants in the state, “it said.
(NAN)