PRESS STATEMENT: Gruesome Killing of Rinji by Army in Jos; Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association Raises Concerns for Justice #JusticeForRinji

The Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association, strongly condemns the killing of 20 year old Rinji Peter Bala, a student of History and International Studies, University of Jos by the Nigerian army on the 12th of May 2020.

At a time when humanity is united in the fight against a common unseen enemy in COVID-19 Pandemic, it is entirely unacceptable that those who are placed to help are causing more harm. The killing of Rinji Peter Bala is totally condemnable and should be investigated to logical conclusion and anyone found culpable must be brought to justice.

The safety and security of all citizens must be upheld, the impunity that has prevailed to date must end, and perpetrators must be held accountable.

We send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Late Rinji Peter Bala and those impacted by this abhorrent incident.

Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association initiated our major process for justice by activating the #JusticeForRinji tag after our attention was called an hour into the incident and we drove the conversation and information across all social media platforms until it got national and international attention calling for justice.

It is becoming a recurring decimal that security personnel kills innocent civilians with impunity and this must stop in demanding for justice on behalf of Rinji Peter Bala. We also implore Governor Simon Lalong and all those in positions of power to step up to their responsibilities and see that Plateau citizens are not continually killed carelessly.

While praying for the soul of the deceased, we enjoin all citizen to exercise calm, support and cooperation with government and security agencies to ensure justice is served. Let’s not allow any individual or group break our resilience as a people especially at this difficult period that the world is battling to overcome COVID-19. Any public gathering or procession would be risky, a potential for spreading the dreaded coronavirus as social distancing won’t be adhered by persons.

Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association also calls the attention of Plateau citizens as it wishes to to be in the front for Justice, beaming its lights on any issue of injustice by calling the attention of the wider community just like it did in this situation.

Matthew Tegha
Vice Chairman
Plateau Bloggers And Online Media Association
13th May, 2020.

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Ritji Murder: Plateau Bloggers & Online Media Association Demands Justice, Condemns Act