Interreligious Advisory Council Advocates Proactive Measures In Combating Plateau’s Multidimensional Conflicts
By Agada Daniel, Jos
The Plateau State advisory council on interreligious harmony has promised proactive measures in combating multidimensional conflicts threatening the peaceful coexistence in the state.
The interfaith advisory council condemned the spate of violence attacks in Barkin-Ladi, Riyom and Bassa local governments leading to lost of innocent lives and properties.
They also bemoaned blockage of highway and reprisal attacks in Barkin-Ladi where four traders from Jos North lost their lives as three corps were found and one still missing.
The committee paid a condolence visit to the affected families in Dorowa Babuje community (Barkin-Ladi) and Gangare (Jos North) on Saturday.
Leading the committee, former COCIN president Prof. Pandam Yaksat who doubled as the co-chairman Plateau interreligious advisory council alongside the Emir of Wase, His Royal Highness Dr. Mohammed Sambo II said they were saddened and pains by the unfortunate incident.
“Accept our heartfelt condolence at this critical moment.Whatever happens to mankind is the will of God. Continue exercise patients, vigilance and remain law abiding.”
Emir of Wase assured that the committee in collaboration with Plateau government and security agencies are working round the clock to fish perpetrators.
According to the monarch, “the crisis on the Plateau are multidimensional that you cannot just take one aspect and just deal with it wholistically.
“What we need to do as a committee is to be more proactive to see how we get to the root of the matter”, he mentioned.
On whether there’s a shape divide between the two religious (Christianity and Islam), taking into account the aftermath of unfortunate incident which culminates rising threats and tension within in the city.
But the paramount ruler said, “I don’t believe there is a divide but, rather, people allowed themselves to be divided. Go and look at the foundation of two religious and what they are saying. And some of us found ourselves in this religion we didn’t bargain for it.
“If you find yourself in a Muslim home you become a Muslim, and if you found yourself in Christian home you became a Christian. I think we should highlights to our people the reasons why we shouldn’t allowed certain individuals to divide us for their selfish reasons”, he added.
Director General of Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), Dr. Julie Sanda said the agency is a multi stakeholders enterprise, and government has certain organs in which inter religious harmony is one of the working tirelessly in sustaining peace on the Plateau.
Alhaji Danjuma who spoke on behalf of the deceased families in Gangare community confirmed that ever since the unfortunate scenario the authority in Jos North, Barkin-Ladi, Plateau State government as well as security agencies intensified measures to avoid escalation.
