Since 1987 when the first religious outburst crisis at the College of Education Kafanchan, Kaduna state, most right thinking members of the society described the incident as ugly.
This soon spread to other parts of the state leading to the burning of places of worship, with many lives and properties worth millions of naira lost.
As the situation got out of hand, the Army had to come in by declaring a dusk to dawn curfew with a shoot at sight order of any person or group of persons found perpertrating violence.
Normalcy returned in the state after about a week and most people believed that such a thing would not happen again being the first religious crisis ever in Northern Nigeria.
A similar crisis was recorded in 1992, in Zango Kataf which was believed to of be an ethnic dimension. Another religious crisis was recorded in 1999 which spread to other parts of the country. And in 2001, little did any Nigerian believe that Jos, a city of peace and tourism would be the next target of any form of crisis, let alone. It was a shock that people who had lived together peacefully and productively could wake up one morning to start fighting each other.
Unfortunately, the crisis in Jos has continued to , with a spread to villages in some local government areas of Plateau state like wild fire.
Some of such villages attacked of recent includes Dogo-Nahauwa village in Jos south, Maza in Jos North, Vom in Jos South and Riyom in Riyom local government areas to mention but a few.
One wonders whether these bandits carrying sophisticated weapons are Nigerians or hired machineries and from where?, That our security Agencies cannot track them down.
It is high time for the Nation’s security Agencies to go extra mile in ensuring proper surveillance of the nation’s borders for the safety of lives and property of Nigerians.
Various communities must also be seen to be assisting the security agencies by keeping vigil of their areas through the formation of vigilante groups to secure their communities.
Government at all levels must also be seen to be having dialogue with traditional and community leaders where contending issues between warring communities can be resolved amicably without carrying up arms.
Settlement of those who lost their properties in the numerous crises should be given priority by Government to enable the victims start a new life.
This must not be left to Government alone, Charity organizations and wealthy individuals should assist the victims by way of donating food , clothing and building materials towards their rehabilitation.
Distribution committees on donations made to the victims must have the fear of God by being honest in sharing materials donated by individuals or groups reach all those affected.
Often times, some of such relief materials get to those not affected and even to homes of members of the committee charged with the responsibility.
As a matter of fact, authorities in the affected states should closely monitor the mode of distribution of relief materials to avoid any diversion in the interest of the victims of any crisis or other natural disasters.
As one of the solutions to the recurring crisis, recommendations by the many commissions of enquiry must be implemented by Government whereby those found to be behind the crisis are punished.
Of most recent, the Justice Bola Ajibola commissions’ report, Peace loving people of plateau believe if implemented by the Government is likely to bring an end to the crisis in Jos.
People of Plateau and indeed Nigerians must learn to live in peace with one another irrespective of tribe or religion, to you is your religion and to me is my religion. Let us allow peace to reign.
No state or nation develops under an atmosphere of chaos. Enough is enough.
Source: recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
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