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Jos Killings: Nigerians, Wake Government From Sleep And Stop Poking Religious Fingers On Each Other

Published

4 years ago

August 20, 2021

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Jos Killings: Nigerians, Wake Government From Sleep And Stop Poking Religious Fingers On Each Other

By: James Bwala, Maiduguri

Nigerians of conscience have been asking questions over the recent killings in Jos. Not only about the killings of 25 Muslim travellers but also about killings of some innocent Christians – farmers and travellers, whose blood the earth sucks in want for the killers but never satisfied for the ten, for one hundred and for the thousands killed. Wailing in the mosque and wailing in Church has not stopped the wailing on our streets and the poking of fingers continued. But what has the government done and what is the government doing now?

An audio record has been on circulation since Sunday the 15th of August 2021 and barely a day after the sad Saturday incident 14th of August, 2021 when a convoy of five buses, conveying Fulani Muslim travellers, who were travelling from Bauchi to Ondo state in Southwest Nigeria were stopped along Rukuba road and hacked to death. Some had asked what is the connection between going to Ondo with Rukuba road? But that is left for investigation another day.

Muslims and Christians with long voices have been calling for the heads of those who perpetrated this ugly act of damnation. But the audio being circulated did not portray the presumed innocent Muslims killed as innocent as we have been echoing since the dastatible and unfortunate blood spilling along the Rukuba road if that audio was the true genesis of the attack in Jos, the Plateau State Capital.

The audio in which two indigenes of Plateau state and Christians were caught discussing or rather one asking the other the truth about the resultant attack on the Hausa-Fulani travellers was never captured in all the statements, Press Conferences and Police as well as Government explanations to the current situation. This brings a lot of probes about the sincerity of those clamouring for the heads of those arrested if that audio was the fact that is being hidden to the public.

Like I said in my previous writings. I still condemn in totality whatever situation that warrants whatever action that informed many unfortunate situations in Nigeria today. I believe it is time for both Christians and Muslims to stop blaming each other over the circumstances that are bringing rage in the hearts of people. Nigeria is not a lawless country thus it is time for the people to begin to demand from the government about the bloodletting in the country.

The reaction of the Nigerian Police and both the Federal and State government in swiftly acting on the attack on Muslim travellers raises a lot of questions looking at their actions on similar attacks prior to the current matters on the ground. One may be tempted to ask if this government is sincere about allegations of lopsidedness on the part of the administration of the Nigerian states.

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The monumental failure of this government has further expanded trust amongst Nigerians especially Christians and Muslims of the far wings. Liberal Christians and Muslims still enjoy good relationships but it would be an honour if they begin to talk to those far wing believers who are willing at all times to go for the punch.

I have reported incidents boiling and heart failing in the Bassa local government area of Plateau state. And I have also reported about those travellers who were said to be returning from a religious programme in Bauchi organised by the Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi Foundation to mark the Islamic new year.

According to the audio in circulation, there was an ambulance in front of the travelling buses. The audio, as well as sources in Jos, claimed that when the buses were asked to stop for checks following suspicion of their movement, the said ambulance moved ahead disengaging from the rest of the convoy but the youths barricade the road ahead forcing the ambulance carrying a casket to stop.

One of the speakers in the audio said when that casket has opened the youths discovered that it was not carrying a corpse after all but guns, a situation which resulted in the youths pounding on those travellers resulting in the ugly events on that fateful Saturday 14 of August 2021, to say the least. This is from lowly voices not heard on the matters arising from the attack that once again if not treated with caution may result in a clash between the two religions in Nigeria who is claiming to be the champions of peace.

It is rather unfortunate that 25 travellers were killed. No one can bring them back no matter the blood for blood suggestions making the round. Whether they are innocent and victims of religious intolerance that is brewing in the country or some mercenaries employed to carry out another unforgiven act in the name of religion is left for whoever wants to take the side he or she deems it fit. But the truth is that taking sides and not standing by the truth has been the problem of Nigeria and its people from time immemorial and nothing was achieved in the game but bloody hands on each other’s neck. This has bred more and more hatred as we see among the people fashion to live in an indivisible nation as we always claimed.

The lopsided approach in dealing with matters of the religion concerned by our government and security operatives is fast dragging Nigeria into another civil war. And like the late General Odumegwu Ojukwu would say, ‘ There is no pride in war!’ Therefore, it is time for the like of the Northern groups and people like Nasirudin Sheriff as well as others whose media addresses was basically speaking from one side of their lips to know that on that fateful day ahead of the 25 travellers killed in Plateau state, there were corpses of Christians heading for the burial who was also killed in cold blood by blood-seeking far wing Muslims down the road.

While Nigeria and Nigerians mourn their death, the President will indeed go into history as a failure, a situation which he told the security chiefs he wouldn’t want to happen. If his words were coming from a bleeding heart as the nation was at rage with emotions running high and voices of condemnation renting the atmosphere with people running to the press to air their voices over the sad incidences then and only then would President Buhari leave in peace with himself after leaving office and not be tagged as a failure.

It was believed that the actions and inactions of the Nigerian Security especially the police in Plateau state
has continued to fuel ethnic and religious crises since the killing of 70 Christians in Yelwa, 2001. Tension amongst both the Christians and Muslims in Jos grow dangerously and informing attacks and counter-attacks between the indigenes and settlers.

In Bassa local government recently a school headmaster loved by all villagers was killed near a military checkpoint and his corpse was buried and the government was quiet about it. Within the same week, so many people were killed in a snake attack and their villages were burnt. This the government did not react to calm nerves around and amongst villages and villagers boiling over the inaction of our security agencies. This is a failure of the state and its government because non of these attacks brought the kind of stereotyping acts being put on display over the killing that happened along the Rukuba Road in Jos. The government must be held responsible by both the Christians and Muslims in Plateau state over this unfortunate and barbaric blood spilling.

The Saturday attack was not the first time travellers would be so attacked and hacked to death. Many attacks had happened not only in the Jos axis with blood on the hands of both Muslims and Christian youths who carried out such attacks and killed innocent travellers. From the time of Obasanjo a so-called Christians to this time under Buhari a so-called Muslim, Nigerians have died in thousands but the people instead of waking the government from sleep they are shouting and reminding each other how deceitful they have been contrary to the teachings of their religious beliefs.

Related Topics:Jos Killings: Nigerians Wake Government From Sleep And Stop Poking Religious Fingers On Each Other

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National News

China-Nigeria Trade Volume Surpasses $22b- Envoy

Published

5 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

China-Nigeria Trade Volume Surpasses $22b- Envoy
…10,000 Nigerians Have Enjoyed Training Programmes in China So Far

By: Michael Mike

China-Nigeria trade volume has surpassed $22 billion, China Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai has said.

Speaking at the 1st Annual China-Nigeria Government Exchange Program Alumni Reunion Gala, in Abuja, Yu also disclosed that over 10,000 Nigerians have benefited from opportunities for the exchange provided by China.

Yu while noting that 2025 trade volume has surpassed that of the previous year, said that China’s direct investment to Nigeria increased by 130%, while Nigeria’s export increased by over 200%.

He said: “ I think this bilateral relations not only has a political meaning, but it’s actually more about people-to-people relations. And I’m very happy to let all of you know that our trade volumes, this year, already surpassed 22 billion U.S. dollars.

“That’s already surpassed the total amount of last year. And China’s direct investment to Nigeria increased by 130%. And another good news is Nigeria’s export increased by over 200%.”

The envoy also said his country is working closely with Nigeria authorities to implement the zero tariff policy announced in June 2025, which is meant to expand Nigeria’s export to China while also enhancing Nigeria’s position on the international global trading system.

He said: “We are working very closely with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to implement the zero tariff policy, which the Chinese government announced last June. That is, China is going to provide zero tariff for 100% of products from all 53 African countries, including Nigeria, to China.

“And I believe that this is going to expand Nigeria’s export to China and contribute also to the enhancing of Nigeria’s position on the international global system, the trading system.”

He noted that China-Nigeria are working on other various projects which are aimed at providing mutual benefits, stating that he believed that Nigeria and China are natural partners, as both countries shared the same interest.

He therefore said both countries need to work together to enhance the current global governance, to address the active representation of African countries, and to better let our voices be heard globally.

Yu, while stating that: “China’s today is Nigeria’s tomorrow,” noted that China and Nigeria shared a lot of similarities.

On bringing the alumni together, Yu said: “is to provide a platform for our alumni who attended the Chinese Government Exchange Programme to stay connected, to exchange ideas, and thus contribute to China-Nigeria relations.

“Indeed, over the years, China has provided over 10,000 opportunities for the training programme for Nigerians.

He said the training opportunities aimed at building the capacities and sharing experience of governance, to poverty reduction, to manufacturing, agriculture, public health, trade, investment, science, technology, innovation, food economy, digital economy.

He added that: “And I believe that this not only helps to enhance the capabilities of the individuals, but also contributes to the economic and social development of Nigeria.”

Yu said the alumni of the exchange programme cut across Nigeria’s cities of Abuja, Lagos, Maiduguri and Ibadan, among others.

China-Nigeria Trade Volume Surpasses $22b- Envoy

National News

Sterling Strengthens Media Capacity on Sustainability Reporting

Published

2 days ago

December 18, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Sterling Strengthens Media Capacity on Sustainability Reporting

By: Michael Mike

In a deliberate move to deepen responsible sustainability reporting and strengthen the role of the media in national development, the Sterling Sustainability Working Group has convened a high-level sustainability training for journalists as part of activities marking the 2025 National Sustainability Week (NSW).

The Sterling Sustainability Working Group champions the sustainability mandate for the Sterling Financial Holdings Company that comprises of Sterling Bank and Alternative Bank

The strategic programme, organised by the Sterling Sustainability Working Group in partnership with the Climate Africa Media Initiative and Centre (CAMIC) in collaboration with NatureNews brought together selected media executives and journalists from across the country for a two-day hybrid engagement that began on Tuesday in Abuja.

Welcoming participants, Chairperson of the Sustainability Working Group, Mrs Bunmi Ajiboye, underscored the central role of the media in shaping public perception and policy conversations around sustainability.

She described the engagement as a pivotal intervention aimed at redefining how Nigeria’s development story is told.

According to her, sustainability has moved beyond a narrow environmental narrative to become a comprehensive development framework that touches the economy, innovation, governance and social inclusion.

She noted that journalists as custodians of public information, have a responsibility to frame these issues with clarity, accuracy and purpose.

Ajiboye also said that effective storytelling by the media can drive action, dispel misinformation and elevate grassroots solutions that often go unnoticed. She said the training was designed to equip participants with the tools and insights needed to amplify credible solutions, influence behaviour and inspire collective responsibility among citizens and decision-makers.

She further highlighted Sterling’s sustainability footprint, citing the company’s investments in renewable energy projects, support for circular economy ventures, promotion of climate-smart agriculture and youth empowerment initiatives nationwide. These efforts, she said, reflect Sterling’s long-term commitment to embedding sustainability into business strategy and social impact.

She said: “This is not just a learning session; it is a call for partnership,” while urging journalists to work with stakeholders in building narratives that reflect Nigeria’s resilience, creativity and potential.

Participants at the training were drawn from reputable print, broadcast and digital media organisations and joined both physically and virtually.

They received expert-led sessions from seasoned media professionals, including Aliu Akoshile, Publisher of NatureNews Media; Akogun Ishiak Ajibola, former Managing Director of Daily Trust; and Victoria Bamas, Editor at the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR).

The training focused on strengthening digital reporting skills, deepening understanding of sustainability issues and positioning the media as a critical driver of informed public discourse and sustainable development outcomes in Nigeria.

Sterling Strengthens Media Capacity on Sustainability Reporting

National News

Koranic recitation described as a symbol of unity among Muslims

Published

4 days ago

December 16, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Koranic recitation described as a symbol of unity among Muslims

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Governor Babagana Zulum has described the on going koranic recitation ceremony going on in Maiduguri as a symbol of unity for Muslims in the country.

The Governor commended the organizers of the “Musabaqah foundation” for hosting such an important program in Borno at this critical period of the history of the state adding that it will further unite the people.

He noted that the exercise last hosted in Borno in 1986 and coming back now is indeed of special significance to “Yerwa” land which has been a centre of Islamic excellence for over 1000 years and still counting.

Engr. Zulum commended his colleagues the Governors of Gombe Kebbi and Yobe states respectively for showing special interests in the recitation competition which has become a sound breeding ground for instilling discipline and leadership among young people in the country.

The Governor prayed that the competition would become a source of blessing for the region even as he pledged the sum of N120m on behalf of all his colleagues in the north east zone of Nigeria.

In his remarks Governor of Gombe Inua Yahaya regretted that islam was under threat in the region and a lot has to be done to reverse the damnation posed by these enemies by way of terrorism or in whatever name they come.

The Governor who is the chair of the northern governors forum called on muslims in the north to work hard and erase the negative image associated with their religion adding that such a damping image was of no special interest to the people.

Key note speaker, Prof Ibrahim Umara, of the political science department of university of Maiduguri (unimaid) traced the ancestry of the Kanuri people and their walk with islam over the centuries adding that kanuri are ancestors of the famous Nubia civilization before Bernin Kebbi, kukawa then Maiduguri.

The scholar averred that it was Kanem Borno empire that actually converted the Hausa people to Islam having contacted islam 1400 years ago and still counting.

Vc Usman Dan Fodio University, Prof Bashir Garba in his remarks called for more support to the centre for Islamic studies in his university so that the sponsorship of the competition can continue.

Shehu of Borno also appreciated Governor Zulum for hosting the event which was held last in 1986.

He remarked that discipline is one virtue which the competition is trying to achieve which is why the competition is commendable.

He equally posited that unity will also be achieved in the process of competition among the young folks coming up to become leaders of tomorrow.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Tijani Bukar who is also chair of the local organizing committee (LOC) however prayed that God will soon grant absolute peace to the state adding that the entire program will be successful as expected.

The 40th anniversary of the national Koranic recitation which started in 1985 is being hosted at the Indimi hall unimaid and will last for ten days and ends on Saturday for the grand finale.

Also present at the occasion was a representative of Governor of Yobe Mai Mala Buni, Dr Mohammed Bakura, Barrister Jamal Akintunde, Prof Adam Mustapha, traditional rulers and chief imams from across the region and many others from the university community.

Koranic recitation described as a symbol of unity among Muslims