60% of our leaders responsible for prolonged Jos crisis – Rev Pam

Executive Secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, (NCPC) Rev Yakubu Pam has stated that 60% Plateau State leaders are responsible for the prolonged crisis, ravaging the state.

He therefore, called on the leaders to come out, speak with one voice in love and unity to restore lasting peace to the once peaceful state of tourism in the country.

In a statement on Wednesday, signed by Pam Ayuba, Media Aide to the Executive Secretary, the Reverend said: “Over 60 percent of leaders are responsible for the deep problems we have in prolonging the Jos crises.

“Many believed the crisis that broke up in Jos in 2001 would have ended in two to three days but it has prolonged to over 20 years, a regrettable situation.

“We must avoid sentiments and speak with one voice, there is every need for us to come together so that Plateau will bounce back again to its old glory.”

Dr Pam who noted that the state needs both internal and external assistance to cushion effect of the prolonged crises that had ravaged the state since 2001 also, pointed that the state has witnessed a lot of crises that has left thousands of Internally Displaced Persons, (IDPs) scattered all over the state without food, clothings or shelter.

Speaking while a keynote address at the maiden Kamkur Samuel Foundation, (KSF) Plateau Peace Conference held on Wednesday in Jos, titled: ‘Peaceful Coexistence,’ the Reverend gentleman said there are many crises that exists in the world but, “the Jos conflicts duration has been over 20 years almost compared to that of Afghanistan, Israel and Gaza which has dragged for a longer time.

“Events of the recent past, where many people were killed in different spots between July and August this year alone, took place while I was performing the 2020 pilgrimage in Jordan.

“Jordan has 10 per cent Christians but they live in complete harmony with their bigger Muslim population.

You can’t differentiate who’s a Muslim or Christian even in their government set up.

“We must see humanity in people.

We must stop retaliation and encourage our youths to be engaged in meaningful ventures.

“We’ll move forward if we all make research into the lingering problems of Jos and how we can handle them like Jordan who has 10% Christians and are living peacefully, seeing each other as Jordanian’s.

“Leaders must speak for all, and learn some lessons from the Kingdom of Jordan, adding that, “if we use violence to solve crises, there will be no peace.”

He opined that the best way to restore peace in the state is going back to the drawing board and instituting dialogue, encouraging people to ventilate.

“If we need to promote togetherness, we must look at the Youths, how they can coordinate their talents by raising soft loans to support them and fight poverty.

“We must encourage voices of justice who must speak to end the prolonged crisis. We talk of peace without justice.

If we all come together to talk about being fair, justice must be seen to be done,” urging Plateau elites to “come together, shun violent acts that usually ended up in ethnic motivated speeches and sentiments,” he added.