₦airaland Forum

Nigerians with controversy and sentiments at work again.It seems of recent the 40 laptop users are raising there game o!

Simply amazing!!! I hope he contains the Militias too.The greatest problem is the waring youths scattered all over the town from both sides.Who are equipped and guided to violence always.The residence of Jos and Environs really would need serious psychological revival to get pass the near animal life they have lived over months in violence.
God please bring peace to this city of Jos,touch the hearts of men and end the mindless carnage over useless reasons in Plateau.

Good talk my beloved Buhari.Its good to hear your elderly advice to the present stock of leaders in the country.God keep you.

Behold it is finished!!!! I dey look my car now and all i see is a space rocket.I think am in wonder land.

nagoma: How about sharing some of the trillion Naira budget, bullet proof jackets, and military and sss intelligence gathering training with the community as new beginning?

^^^ abi o!

Yujin: Its so funny that you discredited the comments of northern christians who you termed 'wrong persons' in that context. Who knows the northern muslims and their capabilities better than the northern christians who have lived with them for centuries?
See how fast you designated the SSS chief an Igboman! What have these people done to you? Besides, Mr. Okojie is not Igbo. Does it matter if he is?
You accuse the christian clerics of 'insisting' the laity votes for their even when he is incompetent. Where were you when Abiola won the election on a muslim/muslim ticket? Can a christian/christian ticket win in nigeria without war? What a bigot!
The SSS guy is 100% right.

Thats what you think.But you hardly know what kind of bad blood flows amongst them depending on who.The Some northern xtians will readily suggest this position due to there sentiments driven views.funny enough they have being thought or made to distance themselves from Muslims with lies and lies.I was invited to a wedding once in the north.A christian wedding and i can tell you the content of preaching got me puzzled.The Muslims who accompanied the bride simply decided to stand outside.The allegations and lies.From how muslims deceive Christian ladies with electronic gadgets and marry them only to suffer and so many other crap you are spewing here.The Christians that were with us tried to wish it away but i know this is there thought and position.You can imagine what the worshipers will think about the Muslims when they come out.without meeting or living together with a Muslim.
About him being Igbo,what can i say if today a Hausa-man or Muslim comes out to say xtian suspects capture in Bauchi with explosives or bomber is s suspected terrorist all you hear is conspiracy theories.Recently the foreign Ministry clerk spoke about the CAN president comments and the US congress bias interview with CAN president.My God you can see the follow up on NL.He is BH,he supports them blah blah.So i don't believe the Igbo SSS because of his faith and tribe simple.He is also living by the altar lies spread by his folks.Most especially where he is not a first person in this information chain.
Abiola case can't be used in this instance as even then the votes went beyond tribalism.He got votes from even the so called north you claim hate southerners today and Kano a state where Tofa came from voted against him.Now can that also happen in the south i mean vote against your own? SO times change and this is now.Even then it would have being do able for the reverse.But today both ways its applicable.

Evil Brain: People are so eager to condemn the northerners forgetting that to them, the authorities are just as bad or worse than BH.

Most people don't realize that the army and police killed more innocent people in just the Maiduguri crisis alone than Boko Haram has in its entire history. People forget that BH has informants within the government and will not hesitate to kill anybody who informs on them.

What incentive does the average northerner have to report one group of mass murderers to another group of mass murderers? Why should he risk his and his children's lives to help a government that has done nothing for him and can't even protect him? Is the SSS going pay to relocate his family somewhere where BH can't find them? Why should he believe their promises when they have no credibility.

The government authorities expect people risk everything to help them when they themselves are sitting safely in Abuja, surrounded by policemen, enjoying their stolen wealth.

^^^^ My brother it's of Nigerian mentality in misdirected priority.Lastly they also know it is easier to just say them or put it on a group that rarely utters much in her defense.You have SSS agents from all the tribes and community of this country.Why not put them to use.I also know money or incentives or intimidation works as the different cases may apply.The question is i have heard in so many cases where agents send information into the chain of command and little intelligence is deducted by the much lazy bunch at the top to even advice the leadership properly.That is why sometimes i think or look deep i pity the president.When he shouts enough is enough,who will go and put the fullstops to it.When the priority is securing themselves and trying to acquire retirement wealth that could make them aspire to be GEJ tomorrow or propel them into politics after retirement.Worst case even get some recognition as traditional title holders.The day i hear a common being given OON or title for his little sacrifice to his community then i shall cheer.Today its failure that gest rewarded.How come Sunday Badung that was blown up in kaduna while doing his duty is yet to get any medals?A cop in USA pulling an accident victim from a burning got rewarded and commended.What would we say about mr Sunday?
Immigration-fail to check influx of migrants with UN-productive agendas in Nigeria.With destructive consequences to a nation economically and security wise.
Nigerian masses allover-failure in the societal level at raising children and communities with valid morals.respect and up right thinking.As today the same attitude the elders share with regards to national integration is observed and learned by the children.We have a more than a generation to change.
leadership- priority problems,Visionless,faulty decision making and lack of sympathy for Nigerians and Nigeria under there care.Politicizing matters and playing tribal/religious agendas.ethnocentric plans and Nepotism!!!
customs-Corrupt and lacking in her ability to check border activities.As we Know weapons are not manufactured largely in Nigeria.They are smuggled in.This people are suppose to get same heat as the police over security lapses.
Army - don't expect much from them since it is not suppose to be there turf.That said there interaction with the populace is also not helping matters as allegation are now flying all over about there support of certain groups.Whether we like it or not this organ forcefully glue us together today and we are playing more and more with them.There disintegration means the collapse of Nigeria.
SSS - They are trying but alot of innovation and localization of there tactics/approach to security treat is worth looking at.They must upgrade there thinking.Prioritize patriotism and national interest above sucking up to a political party agenda or leader at the center.Nation first!!!!!The CIA or MOSSAD can waste there leadership over issues of patriotism.If there goals stray from the nations interest.
Police - I don't know what to say.Lets just restart this group.As it is now apart from traffic control,which sometimes anyone may volunteer to do.There work is done for them by others.From army doing internal security to SSS catching people for petty crimes in the country as kidnapping etc.
NIA - with allegations of foreign conspiracy in the matters of security,i say where are they? abi they are also waiting until what is happening in Mali is repeated in Naija before they begin to blame somalia.
MOPOL - same with the police.the army is now doing there role.When the regular police are over powered with sophitication.The MOPOL/ATS are suppose to respond.Now what i see is police and MOPOL acting alike here.only difference is uniform.
Judiciary - we need an independent,prompt,efficient and fair justice system on all cases from president to the wide life creatures we see out there.
I believe some things may have being left out but this alone if reviewed and changed could boost and help people out of the gradual decline in the country.

TroGunn: Are u being serious?

1) The FG Security are being targeted irrespective of their faith.
2) Churches are targeted because of their faith.
3) Muslims are [b]not targeted [/b]because of their faith.

If you truly believe that BH attacks Muslims with the same venom they do churches, then ....

The popular BH support in parts of the North is no excuse for the SSS, but it highlights how difficult their task is. There's no way they are ever going to succeed totally. They may stop some of the major attacks, but will never completely kill the BH group - without the support of the masses there. It has never happened anywhere - it's why Iraq and Afghanistan are the way they are today - because of large local support of the terrorists.

When you refer to the "awakening council" in Iraq credited for pushing al-qaida out.They were armed locally,allowed to operate and were paid.You see muscle and incentive.So i ask is this the same situation with the masses up north.That said will arming the populace for self defense not aggravate other criminality.Will it be seen as a way out or a way of arming the North.The masses are armless compared to this group.The people tasked and equipped are always shying away or pushing blames.

Omexonomy: i once live in an area where crimimals live the people in the in the area chose not to say anything about them for it made it easier for them to have access to cheap phone and electronics.

^^^^ then imagine if its about your life.

[quote author=Find Out!]VERY silly excuse in my opinion, shouldnt be coming from an organisation like the SSS. This kind of excuse may be tolerated from Civil defence, but not the police & definitely not the SSS. I doubt if the Nigerian Army can come out to say such.

A terror group like bokoharam will definitely have struck fear into the hearts of their ''host'' community, and its quite understandable that they'll be unwilling to give information to the authorities going by what bokoharam has been known to do to persons (& their families) who are alleged to have betrayed them. The SSS cannot expect to walk into a community & the people will start pointing fingers that yes''he is part of them'', ''that is their house''. Nah, it cant happen that way, especially whenthere's no guarantee of their lives n properties.

SSS said the group send ''intermediaries'' or is it ''representatives''. Are they not supposed to hunt down openly & secretly, these intermediaries, track them down to where the main culprits are hiding? Track phone calls, use satellite imaging & other technologies they can CONVENIENTLY afford (going by the trillion naira defence budget)?

Not saying the communities cant be more helpful, but SSS should be employing strategies that do not necessarily have to do with relying principally on info from these villagers.

Anyway, its now a normal thing in this country to be giving silly excuses for inefficiency, excuses that play on the sentiments of the people. Now, people will start saying ''yes, the govt is trying, but bokoharam has plenty supporters who are shielding & protecting them''. 'Supporters' who live in terror of this group everyday, who are hoping their country's security agencies will deliver them. I dont blame the SSS though, the person who's supposed to call them to order is also guilty of this same practice, so, SSS, ride on.

September no too far, we go see as una take spend una budget.

it still beats me how people can be ''shielding'' those who throw bombs at, kill and maim them at will.[/quote]^^^^Gbam Gbam
You have identified the situation on ground better than anyone here.You said it as it is.!!!Why have governors and political elements in the North boosted security around them?Where is the security for the ordinary street fellow up north?Can he request same security to even pass a day walking on the streets?Then talk of standing out as an informer or advocate against them while still remaining vulnerable and exposed to there dreadful and tested ability of quenching elements against them.
The SSS is not doing enough plain and simple.If this is true.Then plant agents or create your own covert informants which they always do.I can tell you that today if around this areas something happens to an influential and respectable person of the government within the said community you can be sure that the right people will be rounded up.with or without community informants.Nonsense excuse from and incompetent bunch.

[quote author=fr_evangel]I lived in the North and was there when Yusuf(BH founder) was killed. Even the circumstances surrounding his death proves beyond reasonable doubts there are high profile Northern politicians in Nigeria behind the BH group. It is now a tool to discredit GEJ and amazingly, gullible Nigerians bought into it, hook, line and sinker. Have you ever wondered why they are attacking churches in the North? Its because the Northern Christians know this and supports GEJ better than most Southerners do. I remember a Christian Hausa guy telling me that the South is the problem of the South, that we are always betraying ourselves and that the Northern Muslims will sheild their own even if they are total failure. I met several Nothern Christians, from Jos, Adamawa, Gombe, Kaduna, Taraba, Bornu and Benue and they seem to be saying the same things. We still communicate and they havent changed their opinion. Having said that, I had a few Muslim friends who dont support BH too![/quote]^^^^exactly what is happening in the case of GEJ and many more Christians there not performing.When they said Nigerian problem is nepotism,what were you thinking.How do you explain Churches that will insist on political/influential persons in society to rather pick from the christian stock for a place.Even if not competent.That said your view is grossly misinformed about the population of Muslims who despise the BH activity.I am a Muslim and can tell you amongst my Muslim friends there view about Boko-haram is rather more captured accurately by "Find Out!" position than yours.The reluctance of Muslims furthermore is mainly due to such comments of persons like you who would rather accuse them than encourage them or atleast focus your anger on the right persons in society from the political fold and leadership.
This is what i know mainly about Muslims around me there views of BH.They believe they are held to ransom by a group and suspect is political and probably the making of some southern xtians to cause rancor amongst Muslims,destroy there community by making it less attractive and to portray Muslims in bad light.This are the most popular views.More reason you see them emphasis on other suspected xtian terrorist captured.Alot of Muslims still doubt its religious attachment to them and see it largely as a political play amongst political elements amongst the different divides.So your information by Northern xtians who are not in best of terms with Muslims is just asking the wrong persons.
I am yet to meet a supporter or sympathizer of BH in my entire Muslim company and neighbors.What i know is like alot of them are scared that anyone amongst them can be a member and they need to watch what they would say in the open about them.To avoid being a victim.Also where i suspect or communities suspect could be BH haven,government knows and they hardly would do anything but even show the community by there actions that this folks are above the law.People don't want to report anything especially since the security would not and can't even save themselves when they come for anyone.Alot would rather keep mute and manage there lifes jeje.
The view that persons volunteered information on MEND is a big lie.The communities harbor and even contributed to the cause.As Dokubo clearly stated over there arming.It is very different in the North.This BH do not have any strong support from the Muslim communities and What seems as a support is a people keeping quiet to see another day.Not financing and not endorsement So it is despicable when some ignorant few come here talking trash out of sentiments.Lastly am not surprise that the SSS folk talking is Igbo.While the army is commending residents of in kano aiding with information.This one in Abuja eating friend chicken is spewing things wrongly.

TroGunn: While BH started earlier with it's radical Islam (which appeals to some), their primary targets today remain the FG security forces ( blamed for killing Yusuf Mohammed and arresting their followers) and Christian churches ( part of it's Islamization agenda). Going after these primary targets do appeal to quite are few, who feel strongly against the current FG and don't mind killing some "infidels" in the process.

The Muslims killed are usually their fierce critics or just collateral damage while going after their primary targets. They don't target Muslims in general like they do churches and FG security forces. Only the deliberately blind would say otherwise.

and the FG agents are all Christians abi or the agents killed are mainly Christians abi.Some people can never go beyond petty deception and sentiment.

Nigeria!!!! the more you see this 40 laptop people the more you get disturbed over our everlasting ignorance and hard found suffer head/butt kissing of the PDP by our teaming population.GEJ should just do his life president o like Mugabe of Zimbabwe!It is better that way.so we can enjoy the fresh air and thinking of the 40 laptop people.
Where did this duo claim there interest for 2015.They are telling us how like any other sane Nigerian would complain about the opposition strategic move to dislodge or atleast reduce PDP base.Considering our tract record of failure in the past 13 years.It is only fair to say or suggest that we try another option or person or persons to see if we are being led correctly.What is wrong in changing government or national party?Only for the butt lickers and dullards who can't stand change,That will rather the nation slums and die from her faulty government and leaders who are predominantly of same stock.Than try another person else with the proven record to deliver.

hardywaltz: Empty drums make the loudest noise, while Pastors are shouting on the pulpit; the Imams are busy grooming suicide bombers and terrorist. Most riots in the North usually starts after Jumat service. Most Church services are Televised and in English, while Jumat (hope dats d spelling) service ain't televised & mostly in Arabic. Do d maths and will see dat while Christian Pastors call for disintegration of Nigeria just to please their audience; the Muslim Imam are working around the Clock to make it happen.

^^^ The religious ignorance and level of lies implanted in to some christian folks or whatever is disgusting.if you don't know why the use arabic or don't know why they hardly air there sermons then ask than jump to ridiculous assumptions and beer parlour informed decisions.
Sermons are done in Arabic because this is the original language of communication with the Muslims before now and preferred by Muslims globally over English.Even at that,times have changed.In Nigeria it has always varied from mosque to mosque.The use of this languages Hausa,English,Yoruba and Igbo apart from Arabic is prevalent.Some Mosque would even combine atleast two or three of this depending on there community if mixed.Other minority languages also use there languages in places like Kogi(Igala,Ibira etc),Borno (kanuri),Adamawa(fulfude) etc.Unlike like Christians who prefer prevalently English in Nigeria,the Arabic language is the most used in the Islamic sphere.From Quranic qoutes to Hadith referals.
Now about the media are you just playing ignorant or you want to tell me that the Islamic programs or sermons aired on Fridays are imaginary.Also radios are used to air the much messages Muslims can afford.Unlike the Christians who invest alot in the air waves to compete with each other for worshipers.The Muslims maybe reluctant in this aspect.Due to the fact Muslims generally believe the 5 daily prayers and Juma'at prayers are enough to share happenings around us and spiritual sermons.Even that is changing as Muslims are recognizing the power of the media over just mosque attendance and continuously efforts are made to sponsor or arrange Islamic programs on the media.So why are Muslims opening up if there intent is to hide there actions?Why also do they air programs during Ramadan and Fridays on TV.Especially if you are in the Northern part of the country.Are there no Christians in such states?Then in alot of places speakers are used.If only you understand the native dialects or Arabic you should hear everything they discuss.We may not have enough to air all our Mosque activities but yes where speakers are allowed we use them.Some use even English.In the mosques located in SW,Abuja,SE,SS because of the worshipers understanding.Even at that Arabic is still used in a section of the sermons etc.
Your assumptions without doubt is misguiding and full of nonsense.

THE PERSPECTIVES AND CAUSES OF CONFLICTS IN JOS


By

Pastor Joseph Maren Sampson

Director, Reconciliation Trainers Africa (RETA)

#41 Sarkin Warram Street Bukuru, Plateau Nigeria

Email: marensam@yahoo.co.uk

Mobile: +234 (0) 7039634892



Introduction

The constant conflict in Jos has become a subject of several editorials. Competing and conflicting interpretations of what make up Jos have contributed immensely to the prevalence of conflict being witnessed. The history of Jos before, during and after colonial rule and the underlying assumptions to its claims by various stake holders has not contributed to the peace that is desired in Jos Plateau. These claims and historical interpretations form the justification for the claims made by the primary parties to the conflict in both its traditional and modern form. The quest for prominence over each other has not also helped matters. Perceptions are believed to be a major source of conflict in any given situation. They shaped the nature of conflicts around.



This article examines what in my opinion I think are the burning issues that are the underlying tones for the re-occurrence of conflict in Jos as well as the causes and dynamics of it. Various perceptions of the primary parties to the conflict in Jos have been analyzed so as to give the reader in-depth knowledge to appreciate the reason for agitations from the parties. It then proffers strategies that can be adopted as a means of checking its re-occurrence so as to help build the Plateau of our dream where everyone is a key player in its socio-economic development.



Hausa/Fulani perspective of Jos

The Hausa narration and historical antecedents has it that they established Jos from nothing and nurtured it into what it is today without the help of the so called indigenous ethnic groups. Their argument is that Jos was established around the nineteenth century out of a virgin land with none of the indigenous groups near the vicinity. This is confirmed by the paramount Hausa/Fulani leader in Jos, the Turakin Jos, Alhaji Inuwa Ali in 2002 at a speech delivered by him at the Presidential Retreat on Peace and Conflict Resolution at National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies Kuru, Jos, 23-26 January when he states:



“Historically, Jos is a Hausa settlement and this had been confirmed by Mr. Ames, a colonial Administrator who gave the population of Jos town in 1950 as 10,207, out of which 10,000 people were of Hausa/Fulani origin. Before the arrival of the British, the present location of Jos was a virgin land and the situation as could be seen today shows no concentration of Beroms or any of the tribes in the neighborhood as being seen in the heartland of Jos town”.



This position has been strengthened by other Hausa/Fulani writers and publications thereby making the Hausa/Fulani agitate for their perceived identity. For instance, Col. D.A. Umar (Rtd.) has made a frantic attempt to explain the historical foundation of Jos by dismissing the claims of the Berom, Anaguta and Jarawa to the ownership of Jos. In his conclusion, Jos belongs to the Hausa/Fulani who in his perception are the real indigenes of Jos when he categorically states;

“Historically Jos belongs to the Hausa/Fulani and they are the real indigenes. What is happening today in terms of rejection is just distortion of history which will bring more difficulties and complex questions than solutions”.



The Berom perspective of Jos

The Berom wider community claims that they settled and secured Jos along with the Anaguta prior to the coming of the colonialists who came and made Jos the administrative center. In January 2010, in my curiosity to unearth the Berom perspective of Jos, I had an interview and consultation with Da Toma Davou Jang an elite and respected Berom elder from Du District of Jos South Local Government Area and he summarized the Berom perspective as follows:



“The Berom first settled in Jos and had a traditional name for it called Jot, meaning a water spring. The colonialists arrived and make Jot the administrative center and then brought in the Hausa to assist in the labor force of tin mining activities which was the main commercial activity then. The Hausa and the colonial administrators corrupted the name Jot to what is now known today as Jos. According to him, the water spring was located around the Gangare vicinity behind the burnt Jos Ultra Modern market. However, due to human development and activities, the spring has been destroyed. The Hausa immigrants and Fulani pastoralists came in from Borno, Katsina, Kano etc with other locals from around the State such as the Mupun, Ngas, Ron, etc in search of opportunities for economic survival making the city of Jos to expand to its present state.”



From this perspective, the Berom reiterate that Jos is indigenously inhabited by the Berom, Anaguta and Afizere. They opine that these groups share the ownership of Jos as indigenes and have co-existed peacefully with each other. They consider the Afizere and Anaguta as their fellow indigenes. They however admit that the Hausa/Fulani are citizens of Nigeria and have contributed to the economic wellbeing of Jos but that this cannot be said to give them an indigene status of Jos. They maintain that they are not indigenes of Jos. They are not convinced that because the Hausa’s have lived for so long in Jos they should be considered as indigenes. They argue that they are residents and have residency rights like any other Nigerian as enshrined in the constitution. This position is one that has been vehemently rejected by the Hausa community in Jos who believed that they are indigenes by virtue of their long stay in Jos.



The Afizere perspective of Jos

According to oral and historical Afizere narratives, they see the Hausa/Fulani as settlers and non-indigenes who do not appreciate and reciprocate the hospitality shown them by their hosts communities. They consider the Hausa/Fulani as a group of people that has no right to claim the traditional authority and land in Jos. The Afizere also disagree with the position of the Anaguta’s and Berom as to the ownership and claim of Jos. They posit that Jos belongs to the Afizere’s and there is ample evidence to show concerning this. They argue that the name of Jos comes from a corruption of “Gwash” in the Afizere language which the colonialists and other strangers misspelled as Jos.[1] They claim that the boundary between the Afizere and the Berom is located at the Bukuru Low Cost bridge and that the mistaken placement of the larger Afizere community under Bauchi province by the colonial administrators allow the Berom to infiltrate most parts of Jos. In an interview with Mr. Itse Dabo, a prominent Afizere citizen in Abuja, the Anaguta cannot claim ownership of Jos because they have often hide under Afizere protection during the pre-colonial period to save them from the plan by the Rukuba to exterminate them and thus would give the Anaguta the Afizere tribal mark as a security cover.



The Afizere argue that most part of the land in Jos was sold by them and compensations paid whose evidence and documentation they have to table any moment. Like the Anaguta, the Afizere contend that most part of the land claimed by the Berom was given to them freely without paying any form of compensation due to the peace co-existence that has existed between them.



The Anaguta perspective of Jos

The Anaguta perspective coincides with the Berom and Afizere perspectives which opine that the Hausa/Fulani have no portion to claim in Jos as regards ownership as they are settlers and Jos cannot be their heritage. They accept that the Hausa/Fulani have been instrumental to the development of Jos but this does not translate to a right of ownership of Jos.



In a wider sense, the Anaguta consider themselves as the true indigenes of Jos and none other. The Anaguta original name for Jos is Uzheashi, meaning a place where people gather with its location found from Kasuwan Nama to School lane in Jos town. They maintain that they were the first to arrive Jos. They dismiss the idea of Hausa chiefs as rulers and their claim to having ruled Jos as baseless since they did not conquer any area in Jos during the pre-colonial or after the colonial era. Just like the Afizere, the Anaguta add that they gave out most part of the land owned by the Berom free without any compensation. They agree with the Berom and Afizere on farmlands which they believe have identifiable boundaries but strongly reject the idea that they do not own Jos. Another major area of conflict between the Anaguta and the Berom, as well as the Afizere is the issue of the traditional rulership of Jos which they claim is one sided in favor of the Berom whereas they are rightful owners to it.



Religious and Political perspectives of the Jos Crisis

Christian leaders in Plateau State consider the Jos conflict as religiously motivated other than being political or tribal as some would like to color it. They see the conflict as an orchestrated jihad, which is a holy Islamic campaign employing violence to forcefully bring to the downfall of Christianity and impose Islam on the people of Plateau. Christian leaders have refused to accept that the crisis is political or tribal as Churches and Pastors have often been the target of destruction. They question that if the conflict is political, how comes no political party office has ever been attacked? For this reason, Christian leaders in the Plateau believe that the bottom line is to attempt to actualize the Usman Dan Fodio Jihad philosophy in the State which has failed during pre and colonial times.



Muslim leaders on their part consider the conflict as religious persecution meted against them and their faith. This position is strengthened by the fact that their Mosques have also being destroyed and damaged by Christians. They consider this as a subtle way to send them out of site thereby doing everything possible to resist this ploy. Politicians and Government agencies want to color the conflict as political which to me seems far from the truth bearing the fact that political structures have never come under attacked. Therefore, concluding that the conflict is political will be a suicidal attempt.



Preventive strategies

The conflict in Jos can be put to rest if all players are sincere and honest with each other. If all mediation efforts at bringing about peace are well articulated, sensitively pursued, and courageously approached, then I see peace returning to Jos.

Strategy 1. Overcoming peddled falsehood

Some common falsehood being spread around is that the Berom people are unaccommodating. This is a falsehood of the highest order bearing the fact that the Berom and other indigenous tribes have existed side by side with all other tribes that have been resident in Jos over time without any crisis. Plateau has been politically, socially, religiously and economically accommodating to all people. As a traveled person around this Country, I see Plateau as the most accommodating of other States we have.



In Plateau, people despite their tribal or religious affiliation can acquire land, build and live peacefully. In Kano, Katsina and other Hausa States Christians are not giving the opportunity to buy land and develop it even though they are Nigerians. Can any non Muslim in the Hausa States claim to aspire even as a Councilor of a Local Government? Not at all now but may be some generations to come. In Plateau State, the man from Katsina is elected to serve in the House of Representatives and a Muslim served as Chairman of Jos North. In Plateau State, the Muslims are elected into various political positions with equal treatment as the indigenes. In Plateau State people buy land, build their residential homes, set up lucrative businesses and worship the god of their choice without any hindrance. Muslims in Jos do block roads leading to their Mosques during Friday prayers without any hindrance. Can any Christian try to do the same in Northern Nigeria? Certainly No! What kind of accommodation is more than this? To restore peace to Jos, major players must stop this falsehood otherwise it only infuriates the situation rather than heal the wounds.



Strategy 2. Dealing with positions, interests, needs and fears of all parties to the conflict

In every conflict as is the case with the persistent Jos conflict, parties to it are likely to have positions, interests, needs and fears. Positions are normally irreconcilably different and often quickly mentioned by the parties to a conflict. Interests, needs and fears are often hidden and peace analysts need to probe and understand them. Identifying these peace values do assists interveners to arrive at meaningful ways to manage the conflict. In the Jos conflict, one can observe that the needs of the parties to the conflict do not appear to be in conflict with each other, but the positions they took conflict and compete. I suggest that all government machinery geared at managing the Jos conflict find a way of dealing with these values creatively, sensitively and honestly. Doing so will bring about lasting peace in Jos and environs and return the State to its glorious history of home of peace and tourism.



It is possible for the needs, fears and interests of both parties to be met without necessarily resorting to violence. Mutual respect and tolerance on the part of both parties should be encouraged. The need for access by the Hausa can be realized both in the traditional administration and the Jos North & South Local Government Area in a respectable and different approach than presented by them and as understood by the indigenes. However, both parties need to be facilitated towards building confidence and making them realize that their fears, positions, interests and needs can be achieved with patience, tolerance, hope and trust for one another.

Conclusion

I believe in the peaceful resolution of conflicts and differences through a non violent approach. I believe that no matter how poor or oppressed a society is, or how provocative and manipulative political or religious leaders may be, violence does not erupt suddenly. Inevitably, I believe that it is the manifestation of accumulated aggression and hostility that often sparks conflicts and crisis in Jos. In order to prevent violence, it is necessary then to address the hostile mistrust and belligerence before it reaches a point where each side believes that violence is their only recourse. We must develop preventive strategies that can bring about peace. The goal of prevention is to create a situation in which differences and conflicts can be addressed in a non-violent and constructive manner. I encourage round table discussions by stake holders in order to ensure we have a stable State.

^^^^ Alot has happened and we need to look back and ask ourselves why?

Sliding Towards Armageddon:

Revisiting Ethno-Religious Crises in Nigeria

by

Gwamna Dogara Je’adayibe, Ph.D.

and

Amango Kudu A., Ph.D.

Usually people wait for things to occur before trying to describe them. Since we cannot afford under any circumstances to let a holocaust occur, we are forced in this case to become historians of the future.

Jonathan Schell, The Fate of the Earth.

When Karl Maier wrote This House Has Fallen: Nigeria in Crisis in 2000, he was alluding to Chinua Achebe’s sad commentary on Nigeria as a country that has fallen down.1 Similarly, Akinola Aguda a renowned jurist, in October 2000 noted, “One thing is certain: the present edifice called Nigeria as we know it today has come nearly to the end of its life… The cracks on its walls are too great for edifice to continue to stand.”2

When in 2005 the United States National Intelligence Council revealed that religious strife in Nigeria could lead to a military take over of power, Olusegun Obasanjo, former president of Nigeria, dismissed it as spurious and the authors of the report as “prophets of doom”3. In 2008, Pastor Ladi Thompson, initiator of Macedonian Initiative (MI) and researcher on religious terrorism, raised a similar alarm and affirmed that terrorists had infiltrated the country.4

Today, these alarms have been vindicated. The continuous crises, as Ladi Thompson had warned, show that “either the terrorists had infiltrated government or some elites in government were members” of the crisis squad and this explains government’s failure to act whenever they were duly informed of an impending crisis.5 The continuous allegations of foreign involvement in our local conflict situations and allegations of terrorism indicate that Nigeria is under siege. The siege mentality is worsened when Nigerians are now at daggers drawn with their fellow nationals.

Recently, Olayemi Akinwumi’s inaugural lecture on 11th December, 2009, entitled, Before We Set This House Ablaze, Let Us Consult Our Oracle (History), was a masterpiece drawn from historical introspections. Drawing allusions, therefore, is an age-old stylistic device which is meant to draw attention to an impending danger or to call attention to past historical events or experiences. It is in the same way that we have adopted the Biblical imagery of “Armageddon” in this paper.

Nigeria has witnessed violent ethno-religious crises since the exit of the military in 1999. The democratic space seems to have provided the launching pad of these crises. Today, the term “ethno-religious conflicts” has become popular due to its religious and ethnic underpinnings. We seem to be heading towards a precipice of unpleasant consequences. This is the thrust of this paper.

A Brief History of Jos

Before we discuss the last two crises in Jos (2008 and 2010), for the purpose of historical analysis, we have provided a brief historical background of Jos. A brief history of Jos will help to situate the incessant conflicts over the years. The history of Jos has attracted immense attention of recent. This is due to the various interests and perspectives that have come to bear in recovering the history of this tin city. The diverse historical records of Jos have become one of the causes for crisis.

Danfulani and Fwatshak captured this when they noted:

Today, however, the ownership of Jos town is hotly contested among the three main indigenous ethnic groups (the Berom, Naraguta and Afizere) whose traditional land meets on an unmarked borderline in Jos town, on the other hand, and the descendants of Hausa-Fulani settlers who initially settled in Jos as traders and tin miners, today known as the Jasawa (a Hausanised term for Jos), on the other hand.6

Jos is situated in the central belt of Nigeria, properly referred to today as the “middle-belt” region. The temperate climate of Jos makes it one of the coldest in Nigeria, and its plateaus add to its scenic beauty as a major tourist attraction. Plotnicov describes Jos as “one of the healthiest places in West Africa.”7 Founded at the dawn of the 20th century (about 1902) as a tin mining city, Nigeria became the sixth largest world tin producer with the greatest part of this output coming from the Jos-Plateau minefields. Jos was preceded by settlements at Naraguta and Guash, out of which Jos probably originated with an indigenous population including the Berom, Anaguta and Afizere.8

Shadrach Gaya Best has however indicated that, today, the Hausa maintain that they established Jos and nurtured it into a modern city without help from any of the indigenous ethnic groups in Jos.9 Best notes further that, “traders, butchers, Koranic teachers and other artisans also followed the mining population. Other wider Plateau indigenous ethnic groups came into the city for either commerce or to join the tin mining industry. These include Plateau groups like the Ngas, Ron, Mpun and Mwaghavul.”10 The commercial importance of Jos also attracted people from the South including Ibo, Yoruba, Urhobo, Ibibio and Edo, among others. This situation has created lasting implications for inter-ethnic relations between the “natives” and the alien population for years till date.

Since the days of tin mining in Jos, the growth of Jos city has been phenomenal. The creation of Benue Plateau State in 1967 with Jos as its headquarters led to the influx of civil servants and other businessmen into the city. Today, the civil service status of Jos has overtaken the tin mining activities, which marked Jos in its formative years.

Since its inception, Jos has contended with the heterogeneous population due to its strategic location and role in mining activities. Plotnicov notes that, “the problems of administering a heterogeneous community were recognized as early as 1962”,11 and states further that, “the extreme heterogeneity of Jos reflects the variety of peoples of Nigeria, of whom almost all are represented”.12

With the collapse of tin mining in Jos, most artisans and traders remained in Jos, and made it their permanent home. Nnoli has indicated that Jos witnessed 7:6% rural-urban migrations between 1952 and 1963, and was one of the major cradles of ethnicity as was Kano, Zaria and Kaduna.13

Other “pull factors” which have contributed to the growth of Jos include the high presence of Christian mission agencies, educational institutions and the so called peace status of the city. Jos has assumed the status of a “missionary centre” due to the national headquarters of major Christian agencies here such as: Sudan Interior Mission (SIM), Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA), Sudan United Mission (SUM), Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN), Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN), and Tarayar Ekklesiya a Nigeria (TEKAN).

It is also host to the national headquarters of Fellowship of Christian Students (FCS), Nigerian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (NIFES) and Christian Corpers’ Fellowship of Nigeria. Jos is host to three theological seminaries, and Bible Colleges. It is easily seen as unofficial centre of Christianity in the North. Jos is also the national headquarters of the Jama’atu Izalatu Bidiah Ikamatu Sunna (JIBWIS). Jos has therefore attracted attention to itself from diverse religious interests and divides. This partly explains the strong interest for the control of Jos by these faiths.

With the reintroduction of Sharia legal system in some northern states in 1999 and its attendant crisis, Jos witnessed a tremendous influx of people from Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, Zamfara, and from other core northern states who came to take refuge.

While inter-ethnic relations in Jos could not be said to be cordial since its inception, inter-religious relations of the acrimonious type is a recent development in Jos. Imo has observed that the major threshold for ethnic and religious activities began in 1980 with the Maitatsine uprising in Kano. “Jos began to be threatened by intolerance, tension, and mutual suspicion.14 The creation of Jos North local government area in 1991 by Ibrahim Babangida, former Nigeria’s president, seems to have also sown a seed of discord between the Hausa-Fulani and the indigenous population which has haunted Jos till date.

Jos Crisis of 28th November, 2008

Jos first experienced a violent ethno-religious crisis on September 7, 2001, which broke its innocence as a religiously tolerant state. Since then Jos has lost its acclaim as the city of “peace and tourism”. Today, it is sarcastically referred to by public observers and commentators as a city of “pieces and terrorism”. The November 2008 Jos crisis is yet to be fully documented. However, Philip Ostien has give some useful perspectives on the crisis in a report submitted for Cordaid, an international development organization based in the Netherlands, entitled: Jonah Jang and the Jasawa: Ethno-Religious Conflicts in Nigeria. It provides a good grasp and understanding to the continuing crisis in Jos. But as usual with most of the ethno-religious conflicts in the North, there are other explanations as to the causes of the conflict particularly as it relates to the 2008 crisis. While some read political factors to it, others see it as having religious and even economic reasons.

The crisis began shortly after state-wide local government council elections, which were considered by some as “peaceful, free and fair”. Security reports and situations before the elections in Jos had advised that the elections be postponed till a more convenient date. Some others had reasoned that their continuous disenfranchisement was only fitting and convenient for the state government who had been accused of biases even before the polls. It was while awaiting the announcement of the results that trouble broke out at the collation centre which had been moved to Kabong shortly before the elections. The movement of the collation centre to Kabong outside the Headquarters of the Jos north local government council had earlier been opposed by the Hausa-Fulani in Jos. In what started as a minor skirmish, it engulfed Jos almost simultaneously. This sent wrong signals that the crisis had already been planned and expected. A 12-hour curfew was initially imposed on Jos and its environs before it was extended to 24 hours.

The crisis lasted four days, leaving in its trail, loss of lives, and property. The carnage was enormous. An example of the losses is captured in brief by Ephraim Kadala thus:

According to the report carried by The News of December 15 2008, Mr. Bala Zuberu, the trading company, lost about N28million when his business centre where he sold cars was razed to the ground. Alhaji Musa Haruna Adamu of Pama Motors lost about N601million worth of cars during the riots. Many of their houses were burnt and many mosques destroyed. A number of petrol stations belonging to Muslims at Farin Gada ward of Jos metropolis were also razed to the ground during the riots.15



The Federal Government set up a presidential panel to be headed by General Emmanuel Abisoye (rtd) to investigate the crisis, but was engulfed in controversy by the Plateau state government which insisted on its own panel headed by Justice Prince Bola Ajibola, in what was a constructional problem.

Security agencies were blamed for the escalation of the crisis as they either aided in the conflict, or failed to intervene on time until the situation worsened.

There were allegations of “hired informed men” who were arrested and later taken to Abuja for further interrogation. The exact number of causalities became another source of problem between Christians and Muslims as claims and counterclaims beclouded the actual number of victims.

Tape-recorded video clips of the casualties were produced and sent via telephones and the internet across sates in order to inflame more passions. These had to be banned in some states such as Kano, Kaduna, Gombe and Bauchi to check mate possible spillover effects. Election results were eventually announced amidst raging crisis and the chairmen were sworn in.

Justice Prince Bola Ajibola’s panel sat and submitted its report towards the end of 2009, shortly before another crisis erupted on 17th January 2010. This was before the government white paper on the 2008 crisis had been made public. This crisis came two weeks after the Presidential Panel of Emmanuel Abisoye (rtd) started sitting at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Jos.

Jos Crisis of 17th January, 2010

Sunday, 17th January 2010, witnessed another ethno- religious conflict in Jos. Three versions of the immediate cause(s) of the crisis have emerged:

i. That one Alhaji Kabir Mohammed had gone to Nasarawa Gwon to commence the reconstruction of his house demolished during the 2008 crisis. He had mobilized some youths to assist him with the work at the site. As the work began, some youths (not identified) came and stoned the site workers in order to stop work. Attempts by the soldiers who were still close by keeping watch over the security area to stop the disagreement failed. What started as a little matter, degenerated into a full scale crisis.16

ii. That it was a group of Muslim youths who stormed St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Nasarawa Gwom while the church service was on and unleashed terror on members of the congregation. This version was conveyed by the Police Commissioner, Mr. Greg Anyanting.17

iii. That violence developed from a minor argument among Christian and Muslim youths in a local football match on Saturday, 16th January, 2010. The argument and name-calling continued till the next day and degenerated into a major religious crisis.

From these accounts, in what began as isolated disagreements in Nasarawa area, Jos was again engulfed in a major orgy of killings, mayhem, and wanton destruction of houses and business premises. The crisis spread to Bukuru and its immediate environs. Rayfield, a hitherto elite area which had been insulated in previous crises was also affected. The University of Jos came under siege from both sides, that is, the Naraguta students’ hostels, Abuja and village hostels and senior staff quarters at Bauchi road and permanent site. A 12-hour and later 24-hour curfew was imposed in Jos-Bukuru and its environs by Plateau state government. Arrests were made amidst renewed allegations of hired uniformed fake soldiers, who were again taken to Abuja for further interrogation, an action which the Plateau State government again condemned.

The level of destruction assumed new dimensions in Bukuru particularly, as houses were completely brought down to their foundations. The tensions spread to Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Gombe States. State governments of Ondo, Oyo, Benue and Nasarawa sent buses to transport their students and other citizens to their home states. An imminent national calamity became rife and palpable.

Police statement put the number of causalities at 326, while another put it at 362.18 The Human Rights Watch confirmed that about 150 dead bodies were pulled from a village well at Kuru Karama. The Red Cross Society of Nigeria noted more than 8000 refugees in the Toro local government area of Bauchi.19

There were accusations and counter-accusations of security partial handling of the conflict. The carnage left more devastation than the previous crises in Jos, with new dimensions. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Director–General, Brigadier General Maharazu Ismaila Tsiga, was forced to give a two weeks break to NYSC members to travel home in order to assuage the fears of their relations and to forestall a repeat of the loss of lives of NYSC members in the 2008 crisis.

A presidential committee was set up to be headed by Chief Solomon Lar, a former civilian governor of Plateau State, to look into the causes of the crisis and to proffer solutions towards averting future occurrence.

Calls for a declaration of a state of emergency emerged, and for the relocation of federal institutions and agencies. In a swift reaction to calls for the state of emergency in Plateau State, the Plateau State House of Assembly issued a press advertorial in which it raised certain observations and questions. “The house is unable to understand on rational analysis why such orders were not made in some states in the north where religious sects such as Boko Haram and Kalakato emerged in challenge of Federal Authorities in which many lives were lost”.20

Similarly, the Plateau State Indigenes Development Association (PSIDA), Abuja Branch, issued a paid advertorial, in which they saw the call for a state of emergency in Plateau State as having an ethnic agenda, to do the bidding of the Hausa community.21

Such reactions that have come after crises in Jos create new problems in the handling of such conflicts and the intentions of government also come into serious public scrutiny as government has failed to set up panels in Bauchi and Borno states that have witnessed crises of recent. This has been one of the national dilemmas in handling conflicts of such nature in Nigeria.

At present, Jos is still witnessing a lot of tension, rumours of a possible new attack, fear, anger and pains, as the exodus from this once peaceful city is continuing, with calls for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to end the crisis in Jos.

The Boko Haram Crisis (24th – 28th July, 2009)

The Boko Haram riots began in Bauchi town from 24th – 28th July, 2009. By the time it was brought under control, it had spread to Borno, Yobe, Kano and Katsina states, and sent jitters to other adjoining states. Boko Haram is a combination of Hausa and Arabic words, which connote “western education” and “something that is forbidden” A. Farah and others in the Dictionary Arabic English, define “Haram” as, “sin, wrong doing, offense and a taboo”.22 Haram is literally, “that which is prohibited, and unlawful”, and a thing is said to be “Haram” when it is forbidden, as opposed to that which is “halal” or “lawful.”23

The leader of Boko Haram was Ustaz Mohammed Yusuf, a 39 year old, who was described as an Islamic reformist, and Nigeria’s equivalent of Bin Laden.24 Yusuf lived by Ibn Taimiyya Mosque in Maiduguri and had a camp which was founded in 2004 called “Afghanistan” in Kanamma village in northern Yobe, on the border with Niger, but the group had existed since 1995.25

Boko Haram’s headquarters was located at Markas, near terminus in Maiduguri, where they foisted their flag with Islamic inscriptions. Inside the headquarters was a section for making bombs, armoury store, an office, a mosque and an open space.26 They also had an 80km expanse of land near Maiduguri, believed to have served as their training camp. They drew membership from youths, unemployed university graduates who had been indoctrinated to believe that their state of hopelessness was caused by government which imposed western education on them and failed to manage the resources of the country to their benefit.27 The group also had an elite membership and leader, Kabiru Atiku in Sokoto who was a former university teacher, with many former university teachers in his fold. To show their disdain for western style education, many of their members tore their secondary and university degree certificates in the full glare of the public,28 at the annual waleemah banquets, amidst chorus of Allahu Akbar.29 They reject employment in government civil service and do not eat in homes where parents’ income come from questionable source. Muhammad concludes that “not a few brilliant youths have been ruined by this misrepresentation of Islam by people who see no good in acquiring one form of education or another.”30 The group had Alhaji Buji Foi, a former Commissioner in Borno state as their member, along with businessmen, politicians and religious leaders in the north as their sponsors.31 Boko Haram are opposed to the secular status of Nigeria and various security clampdowns on their activities. Therefore, the police and other security agencies became their targets of attack, as they killed policemen, burnt police stations and their barracks and also invaded the prisons.

Their outbreak in Bauchi had been traced to a reaction to Bauchi state government’s refusal to allow them freedom to politely practice their religion as well as win souls to the sect.32 Sheikh Ahmed Muhammad Sanusi Gumbi, a Kaduna-based Islamic cleric has noted that Boko Haram was a “protest against bad governance in Nigeria”.33 The group was condemned by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba group, who described them as “local talibans” and their activities, “very unislamic”.34 The Governor of Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda, called them “lunatics” who had psychiatric problems, and their leader as a hypocrite, "one who reaps from the ignorance of his followers”, and that “while he preaches against western values, he lives flamboyant lifestyle, driving big cars like jeeps, while his members live in the most dehumanizing conditions.”35 In fact, “people who knew him said Yusuf lived a false life and deceived his followers”.36

Boko Haram had global networks, such as with the Chadian rebels, Mauritania, Al-Quaida in Afghanistan, Iraq and Lebanese undercover groups with diagrams of strategic buildings in Abuja marked for attacks.37 They were trained in guerilla style military tactics and their attacks were compared to suicide bombers in the Middle East.38 They have been described as a new Maitatsine as Muslims also came under their attack.

Evidence has shown that Yusuf had been arrested severally under Obasanjo and his activities were well known.39 It took combined efforts of the police and the military to quell the riots. Yusuf was arrested by the army and handed to the police where he was killed. His death sparked off controversy as “extra-judicial killing” in order to cover up official knowledge and complicity in the crisis. But some bereaved mothers wanted Yusuf dead because they did not trust the police and their suspicions were that were he to get to Abuja, the authorities would have got him to court and the case thrown out for want of evidence.40 Some others opine that Yusuf should have been spared in order to give information on the structure operations and targets of the sect, though he could as well have refused to divulge any of these. Killing him hurriedly therefore, justifies the cover-up theory that was possibly meant to officially shield collaborators and sponsors of the crisis.

Dan Agbese has written on Boko Haram phenomenon in Nigeria and raised pertinent observations and questions. Agbese observes that Islam owes much of its success, rapid spread and resilience in the face of persecution in its early years to perhaps its most potent weapon-education and enlightenment. Islamic universities and enlightenment flourished in Islamic civilization. Yusuf and his group are trying to impose in Islam the burden it refused to bear from its beginning that is education and enlightenment. The Boko Haram face of Islam is the unacceptable face of Islam to all Muslims. Agbese charged them for their upside-down reading of their religions with its backward religious philosophy.41 Agbese poses the following:

How was it possible for Mohammed Yusuf to organize and indoctrinate his followers without the secular and the religious authorities having a whiff of his activities? How was it possible for them to acquire arms and ammunitions without the security agencies knowing a thing about them? How come their distinct blue beret raised no eye brows? How was it possible for them to organize, arm and take on the agents of state in bloody battles in at least five towns almost simultaneously and yet no one seemed to know of their existence?42

From the foregoing therefore and other observations and posers, Boko Haram has raised more issues that have contradicted itself in many ways. For example, while they detest western education and its values, they patronize western made cars, ammunitions and telephones. The use of maps and diagrams require an educated mind and hand to handle. The history of Islamic civilizations is replete with intellectual achievements and legacies that have sustained the pride of the faith for centuries. For Boko Haram therefore, to indoctrinate people against western education sparks off either ignorance of Islamic faith and history, or a deliberate indoctrination and brainwashing against the West.

Further research into Boko Haram will throw more light as to its similar inspiration and pattern with the Kalakato for example, and the linkage between Boko Haram as a sectarian violence which took some ethno-religious garb in both its character and execution.

Perpetrators of Ethno-Religious Crises

Detecting perpetrators of most ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria has been problematic. This is due largely because politics, religion, ethnicity and other interests have shrouded attempt to identify perpetrators of these conflicts, thereby frustrating genuine efforts towards their prosecution and punishment. Most times, even the identities of some perpetrators have generated unusual controversy in official circles. Thus, certain names have emerged to refer to them such as: hoodlums, fanatics, miscreants, talibans, extremists, fundamentalists, mercenaries, fake soldiers, terrorists, religious zealots, lunatics and misguided elements, among others.

They are the unseen hands of the powerful in the society, who use them as cannon fodder, who are paid some tokens. They are indoctrinated, brainwashed and misguided, in order to unleash terror on fellow Nigerians. There have been allegations of hired mercenaries who come from Niger, Chad and Cameroon, and they use Nigeria’s porous borders to infiltrate without qualms. The involvement of foreign mercenaries in most of the ethno-religious crises which began from the Maitatsine uprising in 1980 has continued till date with greater involvement.

While perpetrators or the “real foot soldiers” in these conflicts are drawn from the bottom ladder of the Nigerian society, most sponsors are believed to be wealthy men, influential traditional and religious leaders and politicians. But the question that still begs for answers is whether the so-called mercenaries, miscreants and fanatics are the true religious zealots or those who pay them to terrorize people because of their extremist, political and intolerant religious dispositions? Why do they engage in such illegality and criminality with impunity? These seem to be the real perpetrators of the heinous crimes that have posed far above the law. In fact, the manipulation thesis of Yusuf Bala Usman becomes relevant for our further critical understanding and analysis of this phenomenon.

“Weaponization” and Ethno-Religious Conflicts

The history of conflicts has shown that the scale of conflicts and the rate of casualities are a function of availability and sophistication of weapons. Thus, it would be observed that, as violent conflicts continue in Nigeria, the use of weapons has increased with greater intensity and sophistication. Militarism and violence are twin evils of a failed state if they go unchecked. Nigeria is sliding towards this as free possession of firearms among civilians has gone unchecked and is gradually turning Nigeria into a banal state. Today, the proliferation of guns and their availability paints a very gloomy picture of Nigeria. For example, in the Boko Haram crisis, dangerous weapons were discovered to include: bags of gun powder for making explosives, 200 detonators, 2000 locally made cylinders for making bombs, and bags of potassium nitrate for making explosives. There were also, AK 47 rifles, 270 rounds of live ammunition, axes, machetes, swords, single barrel guns, local pistols, cartridges, knives, quivers, army uniforms, catapults, and jerry cans of petrol.43

There were reported cases of the use of explosives and bombs in both 2008 and 2010 Jos crises. This phenomenon is a new dimension in ethno-religious conflicts and it is continuing. The use of army camouflage uniforms in order to deceive people in order to kill during crises has also continued since 2000 when it began in the Kaduna and Tafawa Balewa sharia crises.

In fact, the militarization of conflicts in Nigeria and of weapon use, particularly as it relates to ethno-religious conflicts, is blamed today on the long military involvement in governance. The partisan posture of ex-military men in some ethno-religious crises has also exacerbated conflicts and heightened the level of destruction of both human lives and property.

Emerging Changing Patterns of Ethno-Religious Conflicts



Certain patterns have emerged over the years in most of the ethno-religious crises that we have witnessed in Nigeria. New trends keep evolving as crises occur. For example, outright killing of human lives has continued with greater brutality. Corpses of victims which were hitherto left to be identified and possibly buried are today burned to charred remains beyond recognition. This scenario began from 2000 in the Sharia-related crisis in Kaduna and has continued in the subsequent crises. The level of human brutality shows that we have lost all senses of our humanness and have drifted towards barbarity without restraints or any sense of the sanctity of human life which Christianity and Islam strongly affirm.

Demolition of houses to their very foundations became pronounced from the Sharia-related crisis in Kaduna in 2000. This trend was replicated in Tafawa Balewa in 2000, Yelwa-Shendam in 2003 and in Jos 2008 and 2010 crises. The major presupposition is that such demolitions are warning signals that victims in such crises are not expected to return to their ruined homes. The potential danger this poses played recently in the 2010 Jos crisis when one of the explanations for the trigger of the conflict occurred when a victim of the 2008 crisis in Jos tried to commence rebuilding of his demolished house and was prevented by his erstwhile “neighbours” who did not want his return.

Another disturbing trend that has continued with greater intensity is the involvement of uniformed personnel in fuelling the crisis. Here, cases of “fake uniformed men,” “foreign mercenaries” and “strangers in the city” have assumed greater dimensions. Today, even the weapons that are used have become more sophisticated from the ordinary ones that were previously known as we have illustrated above. This portends serious security problems for the Nigerian state, and a threat that could lead to a major anarchy even within security ranks. At least, the 2010 Jos crisis demonstrated this assertion very clearly.

Another potentially dangerous trend that emerged in 2010 Jos crisis was the evacuation of Nigerians to their home states. In the wake of the crisis, states such as Benue, Nasarawa, Osun, Oyo, and Ondo, among others, sent buses and conveyed their state indigenes from Jos back to their homes. This step has some dangerous precedents that could have triggered fresh crisis in the camps of the returnees as stories of the crisis were being told and relayed to friends, and relatives.

Another noticeable feature that has also emerged in the Jos crisis of 2008, 2010 and the Boko Haram was the use of telephones and internet to either send messages, or calls in order to inform or warn of the crisis. While they had their positive effects by helping to prevent likely casualties particularly for those traveling towards the crisis routes, some were full of exaggerated stories, inflamed passions and gory pictures and could be dangerous in future if not properly controlled.

The foisting of a flag by Boko Haram is a continuous dangerous trend, just as the Movement for the Actualization of the State of Biafra (MASOB) popularized the Biafran flag in their struggle. This has implications for the sovereign integrity of the Nigerian state and needs to be checked before it degenerates further.

Implications of Ethno-Religious Conflicts in Nigeria

Ethno-religious crises in Nigeria have presented many challenges that border on security and the corporate existence of the country. What we are witnessing through these crises is a transfer of aggression from one grievance to innocent Nigerians. For example, in the Jos crises, the Hausa-Fulani have been piqued against Christians instead of confronting Plateau State Government in order to resolve their areas of disagreements. Similarly, in the Boko Haram crisis, fellow Nigerians were killed as a result of grievances arising from government’s failure to address poverty, unemployment and good governance which affects both Christians and Muslims. It is our contention here therefore, that, the settler-indigene question has weakened patriotism, commitment to national ideals and true nationhood, giving rise to parochialism, ethnicity and other cleavages, which ethno-religious jingoists exploit for their interest and advantage.

Inflicting pain and hurt on innocent Nigerians has implanted hatred and deepened conflict, thereby widening conflict zones. This has also killed all sense of friendship, solidarity, and good neighborliness among Nigerians. Experiences of outright killing of human lives, the agony, pain, and the gory scenes of carnage, leave lasting memories for many years to come. For example, the holocaust type of experience which produced Ellie Wiesel’s The Night could as well be in the making, if ethno-religious conflicts are not stemmed now and completely. The operation vengeance slogan which became a catchword before the 2010 Jos crisis, indicates that memories from such conflicts could create future conflicts.

The post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) arising from these conflicts is already becoming evident among the survivors of the crises. The continuous stockpiling of dangerous weapons and the new pattern of the use of bombs and explosives is a serious security breach that has dangerous consequences for the Nigerian state.

Government’s failure to address serious national issues involving ethno-religious conflicts, portray that government is either partisan in handling such conflicts, or is exhibiting lack of political will, incompetence or bad governance. For instance, Government had been warned many times in Jos and in Maiduguri of impending crises but failed to stem them before they eventually occurred. Government’s failure also to either bring out past reports of panels, inquiries and committees and white papers arising from such crises, confirms our assertion in this regard. Continuous ethno-religious crises have potentials of causing disaffection between security agencies particularly if accusations of extra-judicial killings and partial handling of such crises continue. The situation in the 2008 and 2010 Jos crises have shown this observation to be pertinent. Security agencies today have developed “fatigue of crises” as they are made to monitor situations that could degenerate to further conflicts. This is in addition to huge financial resources that go as security votes, instead of channeling such monies towards more purposeful developmental programmes.

The continuous road-blocks in Jos have psychological effects which indicate the insecurity of the city itself, just as the unending curfews continues to affect socio-economic like in the city. In fact, the incessant cases of violence in Jos continue to heighten ethnic and religious tension with tendencies of spillover to other parts of the country.

Control Measures in Ethno-Religious Crises

Control measures of ethno-religious crises have proved to be inadequate and ineffective. They have been characterized by lack of sincerity and political will and have become even monotonous. For example, once crisis erupts, it is always characterized by police or an army attempt to quell the crisis, government broadcast with antics of a promise to fish out trouble makers, imposition of curfew, arrests, security surveillance, emergency reliefs, panels of inquiry, sittings, submission of reports, white paper; and the viscous circle continuous in most cases with new crisis. Thus, the observation by many is that such panels set by government always to investigate crises have been ploys by government to buy time and a psychological trick in order to allow people to vent out their anger and frustrations. In order words, such inquiries have only cathartic effects without true commitment to implement recommendations that arise there-from. This is illustrated for example in the Jos crises where it took government many years, until recently, (March 2010) to release panel of inquiry reports of 1994, 2001, 2004 crises.

Most of these panels end up as talk jamborees, and some have raised more problematic issues for future crisis than attempts to control them. Even membership of some panels have raised controversies as was indicated in the Abisoye’s panel of 2008 Jos crisis, and Solomon Lar’s panel in which some indicted members in the 2001 Jos crisis were appointed to serve in the panel. This and similar problems explain why the re-occurrence of conflicts and non-implementation of panel of inquiry reports as perpetrators are not arrested, prosecuted and made to face the law to serve as deterrents to others. At the end, time is wasted along with financial resources that would have been channeled towards other developmental programmes by government. The politics, therefore, of setting probe panels of crises has become out-of-date and they need new approaches and change.

Preventing an Armageddon

Based on the foregoing, certain recommendations have been made to help reduce or completely stem ethno-religious conflicts and to prevent an armageddon in Nigeria.

1. That the major factors of land, power and control of economic resources and identity upon which other causes of conflict revolve in order to create tension, conflict and crisis, be critically and radically addressed within the ambit of the law in a just and fair manner. The Federal Government should therefore, ensure that the constitution is reviewed to clearly define “citizenship” in Nigeria.

2. That government reports arising from commissions of inquiry be released and appropriate steps taken to implement them.

3. That culprits identified in the crisis be tried in courts of law, and those convicted punished.

4. Government should create jobs in order to reduce the poverty level and unemployment, which are twin evils which provide breeding grounds for discontent, frustration and recourse to violence at the slightest provocation.

5. That there should be thorough education of Nigerians to accept the realities of the pluralistic nature of Nigeria, along ethnic, religious, cultural, economic, and political lines. Religious and traditional leaders have a role to play, other than to be the agents of indoctrination and inciting sermons as Governor of Bauchi State, Mallam Isa Yuguda has alleged.44 We need a re-orientation of and a return to African traditional values of communal living, of being our brother’s keeper and of societal solidarity.

6. Government needs to be more open and sincere in managing information than giving opportunities for rumour mills to peddle rumours which create and heighten tension and conflict.

7. That the ban of sale of petrol through surface tanks and the use of motorcycles be sustained in major cities. Government should create and sustain an effective transport system in towns and provide petrol to ensure availability, as the excesses arising from these have aided crises.

8. That peace initiatives through inter-religious committees, and non governmental organizations (NGOs) should sustain consultations and dialogue in order to build bridges of peace. Such dialogue should be sincere and committed.

Conclusion

The Jos crises and Boko Haram are not only Northern Nigeria phenomena but point to Nigeria’s national question and the government’s insincerity and failure to address it squarely. The “settler-indigene” problem and the challenges of citizenship which these throw have remained unresolved vexatious national problem. It resonates in Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Lagos, and Port Harcourt, among others.

Today, the reality of our living in a globalized world implies that we cannot continue to live at war with our next-door neighbour. We need to recognize and accept this inevitable human reality and its imperative should force us to forge a peaceful human community rather than to continue to live like in the dark ages of civilization.

Mahmood Mamdani captured this when he observes that “what horrifies our modernity is violence that appears senseless, that cannot be justified by progress.”45 What we have witnessed and are still witnessing in Nigeria today fits into Mamdani’s apt assertion, but the linkage of development and progress will remain elusive in Nigeria if we continue in this conundrum of unrestricted blood-letting.

The using of ethnicity, religion and politics should rather unite us as Nigerians in order to promote peace, harmonious peaceful co-existence and unity. The reverse of this has consequences for Nigeria. Dare puts it this way:

I am no prophet of doom, but I have seen enough, heard enough and know enough to say boldly that if the government at both the state and national levels fail to act decisively from time hence, the road to Kigali [Rwanda] stares us in the face.46

Or put another way:

The question many residents of Jos and concerned Nigerians are asking is whether the state or the Federal governments can find the courage to do what is right and stop the nation from a further slide into self inflicted destruction.47

In the words of a cartoonist, Kenny Adamson, our state of nation is our “national attempt at self-immolation.”48 Response to the above observations and question depends on our resolve as Nigerians, that is, whether we desire to keep it as one indivisible, peaceful nation, and prevent the time bomb of the apocalypse, or to allow religion and ethnic conflicts to consume everybody. This is the direction we are heading if we continue unchecked and without restraints.



1 Karl Maier, This House Has Fallen: Nigeria in Crisis, Westview Press, Oxford, 2000, p.iii.

2 Gambo Usman Alih, “Can this Federation Stand?” Daily Trust, February 23, 2010, p.12.

3 Tony Orilade, “Bloodbath in the North,” The News, August 10, 2009, p.27.

4 Ibid.

5 Ibid.

6 Umar Habila Dadem Danfulani and Sati Umaru Fwatshak, “Briefing the September 2001 Events in Jos Nigeria”, African Affairs, Royal African Society, 2002, p. 245.

7 Leonard Plotnicov, Strangers in the City: Urban Man in Jos, Nigeria, University of Pittsburg Press, 1967, p. 33.

8 Anthony Dung Bingel. Jos: Origins and Growth of the Town 1900-1972, Department of Geography Publication, Jos, 1978, p. 2.

9 Shadrach Gaya Best, Conflict and Peace Building in Plateau State, Nigeria, Spectrum Books Ltd, Ibadan, 2007, p. 24.

10 Ibid., p. 25.

11 Leonard Plotnicov, p. 44.

12 Ibid., p. 61.

13 Okwudiba Nnoli, Ethnic Politics in Nigeria, Fourth Dimension Publishers, Enugu, 1987, pp. 65-66.

14 Cyril O. Imo, “Christian-Muslim Relation in Jos Plateau State Nigeria”, Mandyeing: Journal of Central Nigerian Studies, 2001, p. 104.

15 Ephraim Kadala, Turn the Other Cheek: A Christian Dilemma, Bukuru, ACTS, 2009, p. 124.

16 Femi Adi, “Ethnic Cleansing in Jos, The News, February 1, 2010, p. 23.

17 Ibid., p. 24.

18 The Nation, January 26, 2010, p. 1, cf. Daily Trust, January 26, 2010, p.1.

19 The Nation, January 24, 2010, p.8, cf. The Nation, February 6, 2010, p.51.

20 “Resolutions of the Plateau State House of Assembly on a Motion on Matter of Urgent Public Importance Pursuant to Order 6 Rule 4 of the rules of the House, Tuesday, January 26, 2010”, Advertorial in Daily Trust, Wednesday, February 3, 2010, p. 38.

21 “Communiqué of the Plateau State Indigenes Development Association (PSIDA) Abuja at an Emergency Meeting of Council Members and Stakeholders” on Sunday, 24, January, 2010”, Daily Trust, February 3, 2010, p. 26.

22 A. Farah et al., The Arabic – English Dictionary, 2nd Edition, Beirut, Lebanon, 2006, p. 336.

23 Thomas Patrick Hughes, “Haram”, Dictionary of Islam”, The World of Islam: Resources for Understanding, CD Rom, 2006, p. 162; cf. A. Farah, et al, p. 355.

24 Sunday Nwankwo, “Unholy Week”, The Week, August 10, 2009, p.18; cf. Olayinka Oyegbile, “Shielding Patrons of Boko Haram”, Tell, August 17, 2009, p. 68.

25 Olayinka Oyegbile, et al, Tell 26th July, 2009, p. 68.

26 Demola Abimboye and Sam Adzgeh, “Mayhem in Northern Cities”, Newswatch, August 10, 2009, p. 14.

27 Sunday Nwankwo, “Unholy Week”, The Week, August 10, 2009, p. 19.

28 Olayinka Oyegbiye, et al, Tell, August 10, 2009, p.68.

29Ustaz Abubakar Siddeeq Muhammed, “My near conversion to Boko Haram and Darussalam (2),” Islamic Perspective in Leadership, March 5, 2010, p.27.

30 Ibid.

31 Sunday Nwakwo, p. 19.

32 Olayinka and Oyegbiye, p. 28.

33 Sheikh Ahmed Muhammad Sanusi Gumbi, Daily Trust, July, 29, 2009, p. 9.

34 Abimboye and Adzegeh “Mayhem in Northern Cities”, Newswatch, August 10, 2009, p. 17.

35 Olayinka and Oyegbiye, op.cit, p. 28.

36 Abimboye and Adzgeh, August 10, 2009 p. 14.

37 Olayinka Oyegbiye, “Shielding Patrons of Boko Haram,” August 17, 2009, p. 68.

38 Olayinka and Oyegbile, 26th July, 2007, p. 28.

39 Olayinka Oyegbile, et al, Tell, August 17, 2009, p. 68.

40 Ibid.

41 Dan Agbese, “These Bad Times”, Newswatch, August 10, 2009, p.5.

42 Ibid.

43 Olayinka and Oyegbiye, op.cit, p. 28.

44 Gbenga Oke, “We can end religious crises if…Gov. Yuguda”, Sunday Vanguard, February, 28, 2010, p. 44.

45 Mahmood Mamdani, Good Muslim Bad Muslim: America, The Cold War And The Root of Terror, Malthouse Press Limited, Lagos, 2007, p. 1.

46 Sunday Dare, “Jos City of Peace to Killing Fields”, The News, February 01, 2010, p. 49.

47 Tajudeen Suleiman, “Echoes of A Crisis”, Tell, February 8, 2010, p. 31.

48 Kenny Adamson, “State of the Nation,” Sunday Vanguard, March 14, 2010, p.48.

46

@bashr8 how come as a Nigerian you fail to spell the country name correctly?That aside na wah o!How about you consider changing the Caption to something without identifying the nationality of the suspect.Why must we push emphasis on Nationality or ethnicity always to prove a point.I was suspended for doing a similar stunt with the Odera drug kingpin saga in south Africa.

Greatfuture: FG stop complaining and call Ayo Oritsejafor to order. Also work on the security lapses and stop the killings.

Gbam!!! couldn't agree more.

I can see intelligence gone from the content of that letter.No wonder we are still lacking sophistication at tackling Boko-haram.If it's about learning to shoot or fitness you don't need brains for that.When it comes to tactics and intelligence,i tell you alot of brain gives you the edge.
So i say,when will the intelligence community in Nigeria upgrade the mental capacity of agents and move from posing to real smart solutions on treat issues.

Jarus: He has always proposed both parties(Berom and Fulani elders) coming together and working out a way to underplay the indigene-settler dichotomy. He specifically opines that the earlier the issue of settlership is dropped the better - that the Berom should not see the Fulanis and others as settlers again, while the Fulani should replicate same in teh states they dominate. Of course, it will alter much the political power, as the 'indigenes' can always rely on their numerical strenght to get the larger share of political power, democratically. For example, it will be easier for Berrom to produce a LG Chairman via election in an area occupied by both, while a sensitive elected Chairman can consider appointing a Fulani Vice Chair. And where the Fulanis are more, if any, they can bank on their size to achieve political power too.

^^^@Kola he brought out SOME of the problems yet you have others still not pinned here.Also Jarus based on the editors post,you have made suggestion i could share with you.That said he missed a critical point in his argument where he didn't ask why the Beroms have made it an issue to exterminate or expel Hausas,Fulanis or Muslims.This may sound alot more like bias but i can tell you it is what exist in there minds and they follow such agendas as ultimate goals.
The question is how and why we got to this stage?You should also know that lumping up the equation only details it wrongly.The Fulanis and Hausas do not share most grievances except for where it is turned religious.Where the Muslims/Christians equation is brought forward.The Hausas are the elements demanding some recognition in Jos-north especially where they have a significant population.Don't also forget that in Plateau as a whole some parts have natives that are predominantly Hausa or Muslims possibly. eg Wase,Gindiri and kanam etc.The feud gained momentum mostly after the Jos-North election issue where they Beroms made it a thing and showed openly there agenda to not allow popular votes get a place.At the same time pulling the ethnicity and religious card.This is the same people in Plateau if a native Muslim of the state is appointed complain out rightly and make it an issue.Also during the crisis were Berom muslims or natives spared by there kinsmen?I doubt as i have met Berom Muslims who have lost or being cast away by there kinsmen over there faith.An example of there hostility is the beating up of the Dailytrust reporter who is a Muslim native Berom.Not minding the attack being a fulani raid.Here you can see a Muslim native account for nothing in there eyes.
The other issue is Fulani dimension which is rather a thing that plagues Plateau now.We remember during the crisis the fulanis in Plateau still didn't show or bother about happenings in Jos-north rather there emphasis on there nomadic life.Where they lay no claims to land or politics.The Beroms extended there rage to the remote enclaves or fulanis on transit in plateau.Especially where they see them as easy prey and Muslims.Today that mentality of a lone fulani or free for all cattle bonanza is easy,has cut in more war.Another evident dimension to is the killing of Berom Muslims eg in vom,Zawan,gyel etc in there own homeland.That brought the religious angle and creating the feud over survival of a belief.
If you followed trends and happenings in Plateau,How did military administrator Chris Alli who replace Dariye resolve the fulani equation?he didn't appoint any fulani man or give them freeland! All he did was listen to there complains like any Berom man would.They complain about being attacked by the beroms unprovoked and not listened.He promised to listen to such complains and resolve them.It didn't take long for his words to be tried,Beroms youths attack again and stole cattles.Here he gained the fulani confidence by asking the Berom traditional ruler of the affected area to ensure the safety of the fulani herdsman captured by the berom youths and his cattle.The traditional ruler did that saving the life of the teenager who was almost lynched and his cattle despite some being killed,the fulanis took it in good fate.That resolved alot,the fulanis would run to the Myetti Allah group anytime there was trouble who in turn informed the authorities who acted on it.That stopped drastically the fulani raids.The natives could sleep and the fulanis choose going to the authority over attacks than jungle justice.The last attack was at rim in Riyom during Chris tenure.While this governor will snob or even openly imply you have no right to cry if you are being harassed,killed or molested by his kinsmen.Like in the case where the fulani folks went to recover there cattles identified in a Berom village and they were roasted and buried,while the military escort sacked by the natives.
So where do the Fulanis turn to for justice anytime they are silently killed or there life long investment taken.The Fulanis in several accounts have spell out clearly, that they share no interest in the politics or land.Apart from grazing.Now how come they are attacked and killed at anytime that the beroms need cheap cattle or cheap reprisals to get at the Hausas?A new dimension is the killing of motorist and travelers en-rout to other states who hardly bother about the same politics or happening in the state.This alone will slowly escalate the incidence to other states one of this days and we would be here still saying Hausa-fulani land grab and politics.This are clear indicators.for how long will this go on depends on fairness and justice to all.
If the Hausa politically seek to control plateau as a Muslim i do not share that thought with them and do not believe in taking what is not yours.But i believe if victims or families of victims continue to see things happen to them then we create an UN-ending circle of violence.That said you should now as far as the state is concerned the agenda and issue rides to the top and the agenda is guided from the top with a constant edge or drive for expulsion or extermination of anything Hausa-Fulani or Muslims.It goes beyond Jos north or some land issue.They know it and alot of them if honest will confess same.That is why peace eludes us all.My question how come under Dariye he could visit Muslim communities or Mrs Tallen could do same or Solomon lar or others except this Governor?He hardly cares and even before now has shown his disgust for others.So can you change such a person who lead by hate/segregation or cheer his people secretly for violent acts they do to others.
Some ills have being done to the Beroms too.My position here may not have captured that but i honestly believe the editor has to go deeper to understand what is going on.As this position of his may have being drawn from the popular summarized front page position some people feel is the all in all issue.

Jarus: He has always proposed both parties(Berom and Fulani elders) coming together and working out a way to underplay the indigene-settler dichotomy. He specifically opines that the earlier the issue of settlership is dropped the better - that the Berom should not see the Fulanis and others as settlers again, while the Fulani should replicate same in teh states they dominate. Of course, it will alter much the political power, as the 'indigenes' can always rely on their numerical strenght to get the larger share of political power, democratically. For example, it will be easier for Berrom to produce a LG Chairman via election in an area occupied by both, while a sensitive elected Chairman can consider appointing a Fulani Vice Chair. And where the Fulanis are more, if any, they can bank on their size to achieve political power too.

^^^@Kola he brought out SOME of the problems yet you have others still not pinned here.Also Jarus based on the editors post,you have made suggestion i could share with you.That said he missed a critical point in his argument where he didn't ask why the Beroms have made it an issue to exterminate or expel Hausas,Fulanis or Muslims.This may sound alot more like bias but i can tell you it is what exist in there minds and they follow such agendas as ultimate goals.
The question is how and why we got to this stage?You should also know that lumping up the equation only details it wrongly.The Fulanis and Hausas do not share most grievances except for where it is turned religious.Where the Muslims/Christians equation is brought forward.The Hausas are the elements demanding some recognition in Jos-north especially where they have a significant population.Don't also forget that in Plateau as a whole some parts have natives that are predominantly Hausa or Muslims possibly. eg Wase,Gindiri and kanam etc.The feud gained momentum mostly after the Jos-North election issue where they Beroms made it a thing and showed openly there agenda to not allow popular votes get a place.At the same time pulling the ethnicity and religious card.This is the same people in Plateau if a native Muslim of the state is appointed complain out rightly and make it an issue.Also during the crisis were Berom muslims or natives spared by there kinsmen?I doubt as i have met Berom Muslims who have lost or being cast away by there kinsmen over there faith.An example of there hostility is the beating up of the Dailytrust reporter who is a Muslim native Berom.Not minding the attack being a fulani raid.Here you can see a Muslim native account for nothing in there eyes.
The other issue is Fulani dimension which is rather a thing that plagues Plateau now.We remember during the crisis the fulanis in Plateau still didn't show or bother about happenings in Jos-north rather there emphasis on there nomadic life.Where they lay no claims to land or politics.The Beroms extended there rage to the remote enclaves or fulanis on transit in plateau.Especially where they see them as easy prey and Muslims.Today that mentality of a lone fulani or free for all cattle bonanza is easy,has cut in more war.Another evident dimension to is the killing of Berom Muslims eg in vom,Zawan,gyel etc in there own homeland.That brought the religious angle and creating the feud over survival of a belief.
If you followed trends and happenings in Plateau,How did military administrator Chris Alli who replace Dariye resolve the fulani equation?he didn't appoint any fulani man or give them freeland! All he did was listen to there complains like any Berom man would.They complain about being attacked by the beroms unprovoked and not listened.He promised to listen to such complains and resolve them.It didn't take long for his words to be tried,Beroms youths attack again and stole cattles.Here he gained the fulani confidence by asking the Berom traditional ruler of the affected area to ensure the safety of the fulani herdsman captured by the berom youths and his cattle.The traditional ruler did that saving the life of the teenager who was almost lynched and his cattle despite some being killed,the fulanis took it in good fate.That resolved alot,the fulanis would run to the Myetti Allah group anytime there was trouble who in turn informed the authorities who acted on it.That stopped drastically the fulani raids.The natives could sleep and the fulanis choose going to the authority over attacks than jungle justice.The last attack was at rim in Riyom during Chris tenure.While this governor will snob or even openly imply you have no right to cry if you are being harassed,killed or molested by his kinsmen.Like in the case where the fulani folks went to recover there cattles identified in a Berom village and they were roasted and buried,while the military escort sacked by the natives.
So where do the Fulanis turn to for justice anytime they are silently killed or there life long investment taken.The Fulanis in several accounts have spell out clearly, that they share no interest in the politics or land.Apart from grazing.Now how come they are attacked and killed at anytime that the beroms need cheap cattle or cheap reprisals to get at the Hausas?A new dimension is the killing of motorist and travelers en-rout to other states who hardly bother about the same politics or happening in the state.This alone will slowly escalate the incidence to other states one of this days and we would be here still saying Hausa-fulani land grab and politics.This are clear indicators.for how long will this go on depends on fairness and justice to all.
If the Hausa politically seek to control plateau as a Muslim i do not share that thought with them and do not believe in taking what is not yours.But i believe if victims or families of victims continue to see things happen to them then we create an UN-ending circle of violence.That said you should now as far as the state is concerned the agenda and issue rides to the top and the agenda is guided from the top with a constant edge or drive for expulsion or extermination of anything Hausa-Fulani or Muslims.It goes beyond Jos north or some land issue.They know it and alot of them if honest will confess same.That is why peace eludes us all.My question how come under Dariye he could visit Muslim communities or Mrs Tallen could do same or Solomon lar or others except this Governor?He hardly cares and even before now has shown his disgust for others.So can you change such a person who lead by hate/segregation or cheer his people secretly for violent acts they do to others.
Some ills have being done to the Beroms too.My position here may not have captured that but i honestly believe the editor has to go deeper to understand what is going on.As this position of his may have being drawn from the popular summarized front page position some people feel is the all in all issue.

I think that if MEND's true agenda is liberating or protecting the ND then there brothers are in need of that now more than ever.They can hit this gendarmes and other entity in the peninsula that pose a treat to there brethren.That said honestly, the Bakassi inhabitants should simply comply with there new country of origin and let us be.Its too late.
This actions of dragging the nation into it is over due.The territory has being ceded to Cameroon and ICJ has ruled in her favor.Alot of persons and Nigerian leaders have approved of it and worked to define the borders.So going back on it makes us as a nation lairs and not to be trusted again.The mistakes have being made and our leader(Obj's) word given.Then it is to late.Our word is more than our bone in such a case.So you folks can fight for secession from Cameroon or fight for equal rights in Cameroon than all this we are here and there.
How do we begin.I say if you are abused or assaulted you can table that with the AU and UN.Also the ICJ or Amnesty international will be glad to listen.That said you can also use the media to draw attention to you plight.I say try Al-jazeera (they carry such small international cases where CNN is feeling too big.)
You have to think forward and beyond.It is doing what resolves your situation that will be your priority not insisting on a status qua.That will work against our national interest.As it stands now if Nigeria interfere,we are not only liars but intruding on the sovereign territory of Cameroon.Which gives them a strong reason and position internationally.We could be called oppressors and liars or even expansionist.I rest my case.

[quote author=Chyz*][size=18pt]Ndigbo vow not to vote for ACN in Lagos[/size]


By: ONYEKACHI JET

Date: Sat, 07/21/2012 - 22:46





Ahead of 2015 general elections, the Igbo community in Lagos State has resolved to dump the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over alleged neglect by Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola and the party’s leadership in the state.

The former Secretary- General of Igbo community in Lagos, Matthew Ogbonnia Idam told Sunday Sun that Igbo people have been suffering in silence since the administration of Ahmed Tinubu till date. According to Idam who is also the acting Secretary -General, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Igbo community in the state, the ruling party has always regarded the Igbo as electoral materials that are only needed during elections and dumped at the conclusion of elections.

Buttressing his argument, the chief scribe pointed out that former governor of Lagos State, Ahmed Tinubu cleverly appointed Mr Ben Akabueze as Commissioner two months to the end of his second tenure, to woo the Igbo in the state to vote for Fashola in the 2007 gubernatorial elections.

He said that this time around, “ Igbo people in the state are poised to vote for a party that will be ready to carry them along in all political activities and governance of the state to reflect one Nigeria and the true democracy we are clamouring for.”

He said that since Fashola came on board as the governor of the state, there has been no, “form of appreciation for the Igbo community in Lagos that worked and voted him to power.” Share this


http://www.sunnewsonline.com/article/ndigbo-vow-not-vote-acn-lagos[/quote]^^^^ This is really amazing i thought Igbos were for separation before 2015,yet calling for one Nigeria.How about November 5? Wonders shall never end.They are not fighting for freedom to do biz and live freely o!they are now asking for political appointment in state that is not there own.If some Hausa-man talk that one now,you will see them all over shouting about Hausa-man dominating agenda with or without proof.I say again,are you people not happy and doing your business freely.If so why the complain?Has ACN or the government not provided you folks enough to be happy about.I dey laugh o! Hypocrisy at its peak.
You guys should learn to respect your host.You should also learn to understand Lagos is not your own.Rather you are just guest there.In as much as they have provided you with all that you need.Be grateful and allow harmony be than this bullying or treat.I also believe if you vote against the ACN it may still not amount to a certain victory for APGA or PDP.That said i believe you just calling your bluff and carrying out such treats will only serve to worsen your position.If i hear,abi na only Igbos dey Lagos?then why the noise and silly disturbance.Except if you people are believing that someday you can claim Lagos and even be governors in a state like Lagos.In Nigeria as it is your people still hardly assign any political role to other tribes outside Igbo so why the noise.

^^^^As usual.Are you also seeking relevance via nonsense comments?

Corpse Of Slain Drug Baron Released By South Africa
Leadership Editors's picture
Tue, 10/07/2012 - 12:41pm | OLUWASEUN OLUWAROTIMI
http://leadership.ng/nga/articles/29383/2012/07/10/corpse_slain_nigerian_drug_baron_released_south_africa.html

After serious pressure and persuasions from the Nigerian community in Cape Town, the South African Police authorities have finally released the corpse of the slain Nigerian drug baron, Mr. Kenneth Odera, who was shot dead in Cape Town by his associates two weeks ago.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the corpse was released to his friends by the officials of the government mortuary in the region under that directive of the Police authorities in South Africa.

Mr. Chima Okorie, the leader of the delegation that received the corpse at the mortuary on Monday evening, said that it took the intervention of the Nigerian officials in South Africa before the police accepted to release the corpse for burial.

He added that they had, last week gone to meet with the police in Cape Town where they demanded the remains of the deceased but the Police turned down the request, saying that they still wanted to investigate the circumstances surrounding his killing by those they suspected to be his associates in the illegal drug business.

Mr. Okorie pressed further that it was when it became clear to them that the corpse would not be released to them easily that they made an official complaint to the Nigerian authority in Johannesburg.

However, friends to the late Kenneth Odera have confirmed that the corpse of the deceased will be taken to Nigeria from South Africa for proper burial before the end of the week.

They also organised a christian wake-keep at Phoenix Tavern, Milnerton Cape Town in honour of the deceased on Monday night.

Speaking during the wake keep, Pastor Jeff of the Christ Light International Church, Cape Town, said that Nigerians living in South Africa should always remember that they are the good Ambassadors of their own country.

It would be recalled that the late Kenneth Odera who was said to be on the wanted list of South African Police for several criminal activities including drug deals, since two years ago was shot dead by a 4-man killing squad believed to be his own associates two weeks ago.

Police claimed that the deceased, a 28 year indigene of Anambra State of Nigeria was shot several times by his killers until he gave up the ghost, along Brooklyn in Cape Town.

While briefing on how the incident happened, Peter, a close friend to the late Odera Kenneth, claimed that the deceased was invited by the assassins who he said are Brazillians to come and supply them hard drugs as he normally did.

Peter, a security officer at Phoenix Tavern in Cape Town,added that: "I was with the him inside his blue colour Corsa car when his friends called him on his mobile phone and asked him to come and supply them hard drug which they normally call Tik here"
"When we got to the appointed place where they were to transact the business, the assassins who are Brazillian gangsters, shot him inside the car twice on the neck and when he managed to get down, trying to run away with the bullet wounds, one of his killers who was wearing a mask ran after him and shot him four times"

"They later came to where his car was parked and took away the hard drugs he was bringing for them. They also told me clearly that they shot him just because he sold fake drugs to them some days back and he refused to refund their money"

Ganys: Hey Mumu, the lastvtime i checked, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was married with Kids, Can u pls let us know the name of wife of your jesus & his kids, Now, Everyone knows the real Gay... Oponu ayirada....

^^^My brother please don't let them draw you into the disrespecting of Allah's messenger(s).Let them be!

torkaka: no offense but i think you don't have an understanding of the real issues at hand.
the instability in plateau is in three folds;
1.indigeneship: hausas(not fulani) claiming rights to the land and wanting political relevance.
2.herdsmen/farmers: fulani nomads(not hausa) tresspassing and ravaging on lands farmed upon for cattle grazing,thereby instigating clashes with the local populace.
3.boko haram: islamic fanatics,(hausa,kanuri,igbirra,yoruba,chadiens,nigeriens,tuaregs),federal govt,northern politicians,secessionists and criminals. these ones throw bombs about to make a statement!

for number 1, our craze for the creation of more local govts and states gave birth to it.
for number 2,the inability of the fulani herdsman to recognise govt authority,international/national boundaries and land ownership gave birth to the problem.
for number 3, islamic bigots want sharia and total elimination of anything western in nigeria,federal govt initially used bombings to garner sympathy votes and to mirror certain northern politicians as not wanting the status quo to change,northern politicians using bokoharam as a negotiation tool for 2015 elections(similar to what niger delta militants did for jona),secessionists trying to use the bombing in order to put the north-south debate flames burning and finally criminals who are using bokoharam to have a field day robbing! afterall if you rob a place in the north,you simply throw a bomb after the robbery and bokoharam is blamed!

^^^^My brother i say GBAM GBAM GBAM!!! Anyway some points here may differ from my position,but i say you are correct by 90%

crusifis: CROSS RIVER SHOULD DECLARE A FULL BLOWN WAR AGAINST AKWAIBOM, NOW OR NEVER

^^^ war monger!!!! Is it like you lust for blood or what?