How christmas united herders / farmers in Plateau

By Golok Nanmwa,Jos

Plateau State is said to be a miniature Nigeria primarily because nearly all the ethnic groups of Nigeria are present there.

There are more than 50 ethnic groups in Plateau state, These include: Goemai, Ngas, Tarok, , , Mwaghavul, Beroms, among other tribes .

The state had been in the news for the wrong reasons for almost a decade due to the recurring herders/farmers conflicts which has displaced thousands, claimed hundreds of lives and property worth millions of Naira destroyed.

However this two waring groups celebrated the Christmas together as several farmers and herders were seen transacting business during the christmas celebration .

A herder from Barkin ladi Umar Tanko ,who spoke to our correspondent said a lot of farmers were in his home before and after the christmas to either buy cows or interact with him on the way to continue to stay peacefully together .

In his words ” Peace has returned to Plateau , i visited my farmer friend during the Christmas celebration and he appreciated it , i call on people of the state to continue to stay peacefully with one another. “

Linus Mandong ,a farmer from Riyom local Government who also spoke with our correspondent said ,he interacted a lot with several herders during the yuletide season , he said we were in the market together with our friends the herders “, we both did business and went home smiling ,peace is priceless , i call on the people of the state to continue to stay peacefully with one another
yuletide”
Another herder ,Musa Musa said the yuletide was celebrated peacefully , we went to the market together with our friends the farmers together , a lot of them visited us and brought gift items during the christmas , we have resolved to stay peacefully together , the peacebuilding efforts of Plateau has to be sustained .

Jerry Ajang ,an Irish potato farmer who also spoke to our reporter called on the people of the state to continue to support each other and sustain the peace building efforts in the state , lets continue to work for lasting peace in Plateau .
He further said he visited his herders friends in their community on christmas eve .
It could be recalled that a Muslim house of Representative member Hon Yusuf Gagdi, representing Pankshin-Kanke-Kanam federal constituency of Plateau , donated 1,100 bags of rice and 24 cows to his constituents who are mostly christians to celebrate the Christmas.

Gagdi, who presented the items in Pankshin, said that the gesture was to support his constituents, particularly the less privileged, to celebrate with ease.

He said “Though I am a Muslim, I believe Christmas is a season of love and sharing, particularly with those who don’t have.”

“Even before I became the people’s representative, I have been doing this because I believe in giving

“ we are distributing 1,100 bags of rice and 24 cows to various groups across the three Local Governments that make up this constituency.

“This may not be enough, but with this little we believe it will go a long in supporting some families to celebrate Christmas well,’’ he said.

The lawmaker said that the items were not just for his party members, but for all members of the constituency, saying “I represent all.’’

Our correspondent reports that Citizens in Plateau State celebrated the Christmas peacefully
Our correspondent who monitored the celebration in Jos and other parts of Plateau state observed that many Christians thronged to their various worship centres to mark the occasion.

Apart from patrolling the streets of Jos and environs,Security operatives like the Police, the Special Task Force on Jos crisis ,Operation Safe Haven and members of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps were also seen providing security at various worship centres while others conducted stop and search operations on major roads.

Several recreation spots like the wild life park , the popular NTA children park, Solomon Lar amusement park, Langfield resort among others were filled with fun seekers .

A farmer in Jos , Mr Haruna Bitrus who spoke to our correspondent on the peaceful celebration called on the citizens to sustain the tempo irrespective of any challenges which he said can be addressed through dialogue and understanding .

Before the Christmas celebration the management Committee Chairman of Jos North Local government of Plateau state ,Hon Shehu Bala Usman assured the people of the LGA of a hitch free Christmas celebration .

Addressing newsmen in his office in Jos , Usman Bala said we have had a stakeholders meeting with security agents , religious community and youth leaders , we have resolved to have a peaceful and prosperous Jos North local government as our slogan is Peace is Priceless ,Keep it .

He also said the LGA is determined to transform the energy of the youth in anti social behavior to the good of themselves and the society , we are making effort to ensure an integrated community by having people to do business in the same area and live together peacefully .

In his words “On assumption of office , i have promoted inter religious and inter ethnic harmony , this is by engaging and interacting with leaders of religious , ethnic and traditional groups with positive outcomes , suggestions from such meetings have been given us ideas on how to improve peace and security in the area .”
“We are determined to transform the energy of our youth in anti social behavior to the good of themselves and the society , we are making efforts to ensure an integrated community by having people do business in the same area and live together .”

Also a Plateau youth activist Comrade Pius Hoomen, had called on Nigerians and citizens of the state to continue to be their brothers keeper and shun all acts of division and hate.

Hoomen also implored Nigerians to see each other as one irrespective of differences in tribes and religions.

“I call on all citizens of Plateau to continue to embrace peace for the good of the state “

He made this known in a press statement he signed and made available to newsmen in Jos .

The statement reads that “As we celebrate Christmas and Newyear , I urge you, my fellow Christian brothers and sisters, to apply the teachings of Jesus Christ in all aspects of our lives.

“Please let us all be our brothers’ keepers”, he stated.

Hoomen reminded them that “the central theme of love and peace at Christmas which promotes harmony, reconciliation and goodwill among humanity must be embraced by all.

He further called on all Nigerians to pray for the country, its leadership and the state governor, Simon Lalong, as he continues to provide more dividends of democracy to the people of Plateau State .

Hoomen further commended Governor Lalong,s fight against anti corruption stressing that it is yielding results as the state was recently rated as the second least corrupt state in the country .

It could be recalled that Plateau state government recently said machinery have been set in motion to ensure the safe return and resettlement of more Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs who have indicated interest to go back to their various Communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas of the state.

Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Prof. Danladi Atu who is the Head of the state government Committee on the resettlement of the IDPs made this known in Jos .

He disclosed that the resettlement and rehabilitation would be carried out in three phases .,

According to Atu, the first phase would be Security provisioning which would be done by a combined team of the Nigerian Police, Operation Safe Haven OPSH, Operation Rainbow, Neighborhood Watch, Vigilante Group of Nigeria, VGN and other security outfits .

He said the state government is determined to create the enabling environment for the second phase; which is the reconstruction of burnt down houses and economic empowerment.

He added that the third phase was the provision of basic social amenities such as feeder roads, pipe borne water, reconstruction of schools and health care facilities, as well as, reintegration of communities affected by the crises of the recent past.

While calling on all stakeholders particularly Non-Governmental Organizations, NGOs, Community Based Organizations, CBOs, Corporate individuals and, other spirited individuals to join hands with the state government in ensuring that the IDPs were resettled within a short period of time, Atu commended the Plateau State Governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong for his forthrightness at Peace building and employing inclusive governance which he said has paved the way for the return of Peace in the state especially to troubled spots.

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How Christmas United Herders/Farmers in Plateau State