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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

NCC, NSCDC Warn Construction Firms Against Fibre Optic Cable Damage

Published

3 hours ago

February 1, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

NCC, NSCDC Warn Construction Firms Against Fibre Optic Cable Damage

By: Michael Mike

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have issued a strong warning to construction companies, contractors, and other stakeholders over the rising incidents of fibre-optic cable damage during road construction and civil engineering activities across the country.

In a joint statement issued at the weekend, the two agencies described fibre-optic infrastructure as a critical national asset and cautioned that negligence leading to its damage will no longer be tolerated. They stressed that offenders risk prosecution, as such acts now constitute criminal offences under existing laws.

According to the NCC and NSCDC, fibre-optic cables are central to Nigeria’s digital economy, supporting communication networks, emergency services, business operations, and government functions. They warned that frequent and avoidable fibre cuts pose serious threats to national security, economic stability, and public safety.

The agencies noted that under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, telecommunication fibre infrastructure has been classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure. As a result, any damage arising from unauthorized excavation, construction activities, or failure to coordinate with relevant authorities is deemed a criminal act.

They further stated that individuals, construction firms, or government contractors found culpable will face prosecution and applicable sanctions as provided under laws such as the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.

The NCC and NSCDC warned that future incidents linked to road construction, excavation, or civil works carried out without proper consultation with network operators and regulators would attract strict legal consequences.

The agencies urged federal, state, and local government authorities, road construction companies, utility providers, and private developers to comply fully with established guidelines. These include conducting pre-construction verification of fibre routes, collaborating with the NCC, telecom operators, and NSCDC before and during construction, and adhering to approved excavation and right-of-way procedures.

They also called for the immediate reporting of any accidental fibre damage to enable swift response and minimize service disruptions.

Members of the public were encouraged to report acts of fibre-optic infrastructure sabotage or damage to the nearest NSCDC office or through designated communication channels.

NCC, NSCDC Warn Construction Firms Against Fibre Optic Cable Damage

National News

ECOWAS Reports Resilient Growth and Major Regional Achievements in 2025

Published

3 days ago

January 29, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

ECOWAS Reports Resilient Growth and Major Regional Achievements in 2025

By: Michael Mike

The President of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Dr. Omar Touray on Thursday said the Commiswion has recorded notable economic, social, and institutional progress in 2025, despite global uncertainties and regional security challenges.

Speaking at a meeting with development partners, Touray said the regional economy grew by 4.6 percent in 2025, up from 4.3 percent in 2024, with projections of 5.0 percent growth in 2026.

He noted that this performance reflects the implementation of structural reforms, increased fiscal discipline, and measures to strengthen key sectors such as extractive industries and trade.

Touray said the regional inflation also eased from 24.4 percent in 2024 to 16.8 percent in 2025, supported by coordinated monetary and fiscal policies.

He highlighted improvements in budget management, with the regional deficit declining to 3.1 percent of GDP in 2025, adding that the debt-to-GDP ratio fell slightly to 45.7 percent.

He noted that current account balances remained positive, led by export surpluses from Nigeria, Ghana, and Guinea.

On the political and security front, Touray said ECOWAS strengthened peacekeeping and preventive diplomacy efforts across the region. He revealed that missions in The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau assessed operational and financial implications, with recommendations for improved training, monitoring, and exit strategies.

He stated that counter-terrorism initiatives intensified following a rise in fatalities from attacks, with regional intelligence sharing and specialized training programmes expanded, adding that arms control efforts also advanced with the donation of weapons-marking machines to four member states.

On trade and economic integration, Touray said ECOWAS continued to consolidate economic integration, advancing the free trade area, customs union, and common market initiatives.

He said efforts to facilitate cross-border trade included support for women and youth entrepreneurs, the rollout of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card in six countries, and the launch of digital platforms to track trade compliance. The region also participated in major trade fairs and forums, including the Intra-African Trade Fair in Algeria and the first ECOWAS Trade and Investment Forum in Lagos.

Touray noted that significant progress was made in energy, transport, and digital infrastructure, adding that clean energy programmes certified solar technicians, while broadband connectivity projects prepared the deployment of a second submarine cable.

He said ECOWAS also advanced regional road standards, aviation safety capacity, and interconnection hubs for internet access.

He said the Commission strengthened agricultural governance, climate-smart practices, and food security programs, reaching millions of beneficiaries with improved farming technologies, school feeding programmes and livestock development projects. Partnerships on climate resilience, carbon markets, and sustainable resource management were expanded.

He added that through the West Africa Health Organization (WAHO), ECOWAS enhanced epidemic preparedness and laboratory capacities, stating that humanitarian support focused on vulnerable populations, including women cured of fistula and youth employability initiatives, including programmes on gender equality, women’s empowerment, and anti-trafficking capacity building were implemented in multiple member states.

Touray said ECOWAS strengthened internal governance, financial management, and staff capacity development, including training in strategic leadership and risk management.

He revealed that the ECOWAS Court of Justice held 79 sessions and increased public outreach to improve citizen access to justice. International partnerships and diplomatic engagements with the UN, EU, World Bank, IMF, and AfDB yielded support for regional development projects across transport, agriculture, energy, and digital transformation.

He said he these achievements position ECOWAS to advance regional integration, economic growth, and stability, despite ongoing challenges such as geopolitical tensions, security threats, and the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Community.

ECOWAS Reports Resilient Growth and Major Regional Achievements in 2025

National News

Kadafur Swears In 27 Newly Elected Local Government Chairmen in Borno

Published

3 days ago

January 29, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Kadafur Swears In 27 Newly Elected Local Government Chairmen in Borno

By: Bulama Talba

The Borno State Acting Governor, Hon. (Dr.) Umar Usman Kadafur, on Thursday swore in 27 newly elected Local Government Chairmen, charging them to embrace accountability, prudence, and people-oriented leadership at the grassroots.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Government House, Maiduguri, marked the formal commencement of a new tenure for the Chairmen across the state’s 27 Local Government Areas.

The oath of office and allegiance was administered by the Chief Judge of Borno State, Hon. Justice Kashim Zanna, who was represented by Justice Haruna Mshelia, in three batches.

Delivering the keynote address, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, represented at the event, described the occasion as a “solemn transition of democratic duty,” stressing that leadership at the local level is a covenant of trust with the people, not a celebration of power.

He congratulated the Chairmen on their victory at the polls, commending the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (BOSIEC) for conducting a peaceful, free, and fair election.

He however, cautioned that the real task begins with service delivery, noting that local governments are the engine rooms for implementing the state’s 25-Year Development Plan and 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative.

The Acting Governor charged the Chairmen to manage public resources prudently, avoid vanity projects, and prioritise initiatives that directly improve security, livelihoods, and the dignity of citizens.

He emphasised that prompt payment of salaries and staff welfare is non-negotiable, while discipline and productivity must be restored in local government administration.

On accountability, the Acting Governor stressed that local councils must operate with openness and transparency, encouraging citizen engagement and public scrutiny.

Alhaji Umar Kadafur also directed Chairmen to reside and work within their respective Local Government Areas, warning against absentee leadership.

The Acting Governor further called on the Chairmen to uphold the rule of law, work closely with security agencies and traditional institutions, and remain vigilant against illegal mining and deforestation, which threaten the environment and livelihoods of communities.

Kadafur tasked the Ministry for Local Government and Emirate Affairs with strict supervision of local councils and used the occasion to commend the immediate past Chairmen for their dedication and service.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Sugun Mai Mele, highlighted the significance of the state’s decision to grant financial autonomy to Local Governments, describing it as a bold reform that has strengthened grassroots governance.

Hon Sugun Mai Mele cautioned that financial autonomy comes with increased responsibility, noting that all expenditures must strictly follow financial regulations, procurement laws, budgetary provisions, and legislative approvals.

He urged the Chairmen to take the lead in initiating and executing impactful projects, rather than relying solely on state funded interventions.

In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and ALGON Chairman, Hon. Ali Umar Bolori, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah and the Governor for the confidence reposed in the Chairmen.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Hon. Bolori pledged that the Chairmen would serve with honesty, fairness, and dedication, and align fully with the Governor’s development agenda.

He particularly appreciated the extension of Local Government tenure from two to three years, describing it as a strategic decision that would enhance planning and delivery of sustainable development at the grassroots.

The ceremony was attended by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Hon Satomi Ahmad,APC Party Chairman, SSG, HOS, COS ,Special Advisers,STA,SSA,government officials, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, security agencies, and APC Party stakeholders and Supporters among others.

Kadafur Swears In 27 Newly Elected Local Government Chairmen in Borno