Some residents of Jos, the Plateau capital, have staged a protest against the incessant kidnappings and killings by gunmen in the state.
The demonstrations, led by Christian leaders including the state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Polycarp Lubo, commenced on Monday morning at the Fawvwei Junction community road, causing a heavy gridlock and stranding commuters.
The latest protest comes amid a surge in violent attacks by gunmen in various communities, with over 100 people killed in Bokkos and Bassa LGAS in the past two weeks.
PLATEAU KILLINGS
A peaceful procession against incessant attacks and killings of innocent citizens by gunmen in Plateau State is currently ongoing in Jos, the state capital, by the leadership of the Christian community.
More details shortly. pic.twitter.com/ZPfsSWVbLM
“We are not happy over the continuous attacks and killings by gunmen in our communities. That’s why we have come out again to protest these happenings,” said Gyang Dalyop, one of the protesters.
Another protester, Hannatu Philip, called on the government to intervene before it spirals out of control.
The protesters brandishing placards with different inscriptions were seen marching towards the Rayfield Government House.
Earlier, a faction of the CAN in the 19 northern states had demanded justice for victims and an end to the “senseless” killings.
Yakubu Pam, chairman of the CAN faction, said the time has come for all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, security operatives, and community-based organisations, to unite against the cycle of violence that has plagued Plateau for decades.
On April 14, President Bola Tinubu had asked Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau governor, to address the “age-long” communal issues connected to killings in the state.
On April 15, the governor said his administration is taking decisive steps to ensure the state does not experience a repeat of recent killings.
Mutfwang had subsequently announced a ban on night grazing and restricted the use of motorcycles.
The governor also prohibited the transportation of cattle by vehicles after 7pm, and described the killings as “coordinated acts of terror” intended to displace residents and deny them their right to live peacefully on their ancestral lands.
Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), said elements behind the killings in Plateau state will soon receive the “surprise” of their lives.
The IGP also lamented that the violence has negatively impacted farming activities in the state.
