We are tired of town hall meetings, engagement with Miyetti Allah, religious groups–PYC Veterans 

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

Team of Veterans of Plateau Youths Council (PYC), the highest decision making body of all youth groups in Plateau State, have frown at the old practice of organising town hall meetings, community peace engagement and talk show after any attack on citizens with Miyetti Allah and other religions groups.

This position came at the world press conference organised by Veterans on land grabbing and genocidal war on Plateau State, held in Jos, the State capital Thursday.

Addressing Journalists at the world press conference, the Chairman of Veterans, Comrade Adamu Kevin Kesuwo, said, “it is disheartening to note that the frequency and pattern of attacks have led to an ever-increasing fears and anxiety of a determined campaign to forcibly displace native communities and seize their ancestral lands.

“We are tired of organizing town hall meetings, community engagements and other talk shows with Miyetti Allah and other religious groups that always end up not yielding any expected results.

“It has become glaring that if we do not defend ourselves, no one will. If we do not rise, we will fall, again and again. What kind of country would have its citizens slaughtered in their sleep, at their homes and then respond with silence?

“We have not heard of a serious national outrage over the countless massacre on the Plateau. Unlike what is happening in Gaza and Ukraine, does it mean that Plateau people are not human beings? Or that Plateau state is not part of the world system?”, he questioned.

Kesuwo, again demanded to know why there has been no national outcry against what was happening in Plateau state from foreign governments, especially the United Nations and other reputable organisations as Nigerians were slaughtered like livestock.

Reacting to the call by the National Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Prof Tukur Muhammed Baba, for the immediate declaration of state of emergency in Plateau State , the Chairman  condemned it in its strongest terms, describing it preferential, partial and bias call.

He, however, said, “it is on record that several states in Northern Nigeria such as Zamfara, Niger, Sokoto, Borno, Yobe among others have serious and incomparable security challenges compared to that of Plateau state, but such calls were not directed at them.

“We demand for the de-escalation of religious extremism, where the Christians and Muslims are given equal freedom to worship in any part of the country. In addition, state media coverages in the 36 states, should broadcast both Christian and Muslim programmes.

“Ethnic cleansing, mass murders and genocide have no place in a civilized society. It is time for us to identify the terrorists that indulge in this barbarity and eliminate every single one of them and seal our borders in order to keep them out of country”, the Veterans’ Chairman advocated.