Governors of Ekiti, Sokoto and Niger States as well as the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alh. Sa’ad Abubakar, the National President of Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), His Eminence Dr. Samson Ayokunle and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Barr. Boss Mustapha were in Jos, the Plateau State Capital to sympathize with the government and people of the State over recent attacks and killings in the State.

They also engaged religious leaders, Traditional Rulers, Political Leaders, Communities Leaders and other stakeholders on how to find lasting peace and overcome the insecurity bedevilling the State.
The meeting also had in attendance heads of security agencies in the State.

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The National President of CAN and Co-Chairman of Nigerian Interreligious Council (NIREC) posited that violence does no one any good.
He said Violence leads to retrogression and has sent investors away from the Nation.

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“No one has the monopoly of violence” he said.

He charged Law enforcement agencies to step up and ensure justice is served. He urged the citizens to ensure useful tips are provided to Law enforcement agencies on the criminal and desist from shielding them as they are threats to National security and peaceful coexistence.
Harped on the need for genuine reconciliation and forgiveness saying no perpetuator of violence will go unpunished whether here on earth or hereafter.

In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto and Co-Chairman NIREC, His Eminence Alh. Sa’ad Abubakar urged Religious Leaders must step up their engagements with their Members and called on members should go back to the teachings of their various faith.
He decried the propagation of inciting sermons and hate speeches by clergies.
He disclosed that religious and traditional Rulers have roles to play in achieving lasting peace.

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Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi charged the citizens to draw lessons from the circumstances and adversities confronting the State and Nation.
“There is need for building better understanding and to pursue peace through genuine reconciliation”
“To achieve peace, there must be justice through equity, fairness and inclusion” he said.

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Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State and Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State also expressed sadness over the recent attacks in Plateau State, urging all stakeholders to come together and address the situation and bring back the glorious days of the State. They recalled with fond memories their experiences in Jos many years ago which they hoped the current generation will also experience.

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Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha who represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the engagement said the Federal Government remains concerned about the attacks in Plateau and has continued to support security agencies and the State Government in putting an end to the situation.

He said though the Government will not tolerate criminality and the destruction of lives and properties under any guise, it is incumbent on citizens to cultivate tolerance and love for one another, as well as fish out criminals by reporting them to security agencies.

He expressed optimism that the efforts of the Federal and State Governments will yield positive results with the support of the citizens. He also assured that the Federal Government will do its best to support the State to respond to humanitarian needs of the internally displaced persons.

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Governor Lalong while thanking NIREC and the Governors for the visit said the concern expressed and words of admonition shows that there is determination to ensure that Plateau regains it enviable place as the Home of Peace and Tourism.

Lalong challenged the people of Plateau State to rise together and unite against those who want to cause divisions and hatred using all avenues including politics.

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Governors, SGF, NIREC Visits Jos, Harps on Peaceful Coexistence Among Citizens