For Peace To Reign In Jos

Jos has become one of the most violent cities in Nigeria. There is hardly any month that passes without reports of killing of innocent citizens in Jos and its environs. This is very disturbing to all well-meaning people of this country. What everybody desires in Nigeria is peace. But the criminals and terrorists in our midst would not allow peace to reign. Those who would not allow peace to prevail must be tracked down and brought to face the wrath of the law.

No fewer than nine explosions occurred in Jos, the Plateau State capital, on Friday, December 24, 2010. According to reports, not less than thirty-two people died and seventy-four others injured as a result of the explosions which occurred in different parts of the city. The areas where the explosions occurred included Angwa Rukuba, Gada Biu and the sacred Catholic Church at Kadong. Another explosion occurred at Nasarawa Gwon in Jos North Local Government Area. Apart from those who died, a bridge commissioned by President Goodluck Jonathan during his official visit to Plateau State was destroyed by the bombs, planted by criminals in that state. Because of the explosions, Christians in Plateau State could not mark the Christmas on December 25, 2010. The Special Security Task Force responsible for maintaining peace in Jos was caught unawares by the explosions. In fact, this is a very deadly and violent act that should be condemned by decent citizens of Nigeria. It should also be condemned by all those who value peace. We are all aware that peace is the supreme value anywhere in the world. Without peace humanity cannot move forward. That is why all reasonable members of this world preach peace. But instead of allowing peace to reign some satanic people believe in violence that had resulted in the death of many citizens. Those who perpetrate crime should not be allowed to go scot-free. They must be given adequate punishment to serve as a deterrent to others who might be tempted to toe their line of action. The authorities of Nigeria should put everything in place to get those responsible for this crime. All those who have delinquent tendencies in our country should be eliminated so that decency can prevail.

Earlier in November, 2010, seven people were killed. Of the seven killed, six were members of the same family. According to reports, they were allegedly hacked to death by Fulani herdsmen in Rawhinku. Two days earlier similar incident occurred when several people were either killed or injured. Again, the attack was alleged to have been carried out by Fulani herdsmen. On March 7, 2010, there was a massacre in Jos, Plateau State. According to reports, hundreds of armed Fulani militias invaded Dogo Nahawa Shen Village of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State between 3:00am and 5:00am and massacred about five hundred people mainly children and women. Apart from the dead, many houses were also set ablaze by the Fulani invaders.

A country where criminals and terrorists dictate the pace is not a secure one. We should therefore wake up to the challenge of recidivists in our society. They should be rounded up and punished.

All those perpetrating evil should be made to face the wrath of the law so that there will be peace in Nigeria. Let us learn to love one another. When we love we will not think evil. We should note that wherever there is love, there will be peace.

Tolofari is a fellow, institute of corporate Administration of Nigeria, Abuja.  

Mann Tolofari