The Christian community in Plateau State yesterday staged a peace walk in some parts of the state capital and presented a 10-point demand for peace to the state Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
They also commended President Bola Tinubu and Governor Mutfwang for their swift action, following last Christmas Eve attacks in Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin-Ladi local government areas of the state.
The Plateau Christian community, in collaboration with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), gave the commendation during the peace walk to the government house where they also resented their 10-point demand for peace to the governor.
Speaking on behalf of the Christian community, President of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Rev. Dr Stephen Baba Panya, expressed gratitude for measures taken by President Tinubu and Governor Mutfwang in response to the attacks, but added that there was a need for concerted efforts to address persistent attacks on Christians in the state.
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Panya said President Tinubu’s directive to relevant federal agencies for intervention and necessary assistance is remarkable, as well as Governor Mutfwang’s efforts in providing aid to the displaced victims.
He further said the provision of more emergency relief materials to the victims is imperative and will go a long way in reducing their suffering.
He however demanded an end to the ongoing attacks and killings and immediate justice for the affected communities, stressing that the 22 years of unchecked violence have resulted in thousands of deaths over the years.
He said proper prosecution of the perpetrators will also suffice and urged the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to officially designate the armed bandits/ militias behind the killings as terrorists.
He also called for enhanced security measures for the 15,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Bokkos and the reconstruction of destroyed communities.
In his remarks, Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude for the support and assured prompt delivery of their demands to President Tinubu.
He hailed Tinubu’s commitment to ending the cycle of violence and his own administration’s determination to secure the land, saying the bloodshed would not be in vain.