In a show of solidarity with the victims of ongoing violence perpetrated by a notorious militia commonly known as ‘armed herdsmen,’ protestors have gathered in Jos, the capital of Nigeria’s Plateau State.
Backing the demonstrators is Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria (CSWN), a renowned Christian charity organization that has expressed deep concern over the recent wave of attacks, which has left more than 130 people dead and numerous communities devastated.
The attacks, which occurred in over 23 communities in the Mangu and Riyom Local Government Areas (LGAs) since May 15th, have not only claimed numerous lives but have also resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of people. The violence has been characterized by the wanton destruction of homes, farmlands, and food barns, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.
Reuben Buhari, the Press Officer of CSW Nigeria, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The ferocious deliberateness of current attacks on villages…are a sad testament to Nigeria’s incapability to protect its own citizens.” The statement highlights the frustration felt by both the affected communities and the international community at the government’s failure to adequately address the escalating violence and protect its citizens.
Buhari urged all levels of government to “mandate security forces to provide effective protection for vulnerable communities and bring perpetrators to justice.
He continued: “The fact that people have continued to die in such significant numbers merely highlights the ineffectuality of these statements, and the seeming inability by government to bring these killers to justice emboldens them even further.”
CSW UK’s Founder President Mervyn Thomas added: “The Nigerian government has both the duty and the capacity to rout these terrorists and save the lives of its citizens. We therefore urge the federal and state authorities to prioritise the pursuit, arrest, and prosecution of these terrorists, and to immediately initiate partnerships with relevant stakeholders in areas where dialogue is needed.”
“The security services appear to have no mandate to intervene decisively,” as expressed by The Most Reverend Benjamin Kwashi, the Anglican Archbishop of Jos. He highlighted the lack of clear authority and decisive action from the security services, stating that without a significant shift in command and control, we are effectively condemned to an “official death sentence”.
Several persons on social media have attributed the killings of Christians in Nigeria to the political state of the country.
"I challenge anyone to produce a tweet or message from a Democrat regarding the killing and persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Every single American that has spoken for Christians in Nigeria has not been a member of the Democratic Party. Not one." pic.twitter.com/znOcl0qtBA
— Chukwuma (@ChukwumaOdelugo) May 22, 2023
This is this Evil.
Stop killing Christian in Nigeria
Mohmmad Buhari! pic.twitter.com/I8ZUwCX5Br— Philip NwaGod OzoIgbo (The Star Cross) (@TheStarCross3) May 22, 2023
CSWN has been at the forefront of advocacy for human rights and religious freedom in Nigeria. By supporting the protestors, the organization aims to draw attention to the plight of those affected by the brutal attacks and to call for immediate action to prevent further loss of life and destruction.
The protestors have gathered in Jos, a city known for its diversity and religious harmony, with Christians and Muslims coexisting peacefully for many years. However, the recent wave of violence has shaken the community and fueled tensions. The demonstration seeks to amplify the voices of those affected by the attacks, demanding justice, protection, and an end to the impunity enjoyed by the armed herdsmen.