PLATEAU: IPA CONDEMNS ATTACKS ON COMMUTERS, SKIRMISHES IN JOS AND ENVIRONS

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Independent Publishers Association (IPA), inPlateau State has expressed it deepest concern over the attacks and killings in parts of Plateau state, especially, in Bassa and os North Local Government Areas.

The Association in a press release made available to REALITY in Jos while expressing its concerns stated that, “With deep pains and sorrows condemns in totality the gruesome attack on innocent commuters, at Rukuba Road, in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State yesterday, where it was gathered that, about 23 people lost their lives, while 23 are receiving treatment”.

The Association also condemned the vicious event of attacking and destroying of crops on farms and properties in communities in Riyom and Bassa Local Government Areas that snowballed into the current skirmishes.

The Association in a press statement signed by its Chairman, Mr. Shabul Mazadu has described the situation as, “highly condemnable”.

According to the release, the situation bred the tension that led to the imposition of curfew from 6.00pm to 6.00am on Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas, while a 24 hours curfew has been imposed in Jos North LGA.

“IPA, appeals to the aggrieved to sheathe their swords of anger and vengeance because, violence never settles anything right.

“We all share responsibility for each other’s security, and only by working to make each other secured can we hope to achieve lasting security for ourselves.

“We should at this point in time inflame our hope as the Security agencies are decimating bandits and terrorists, who are daily surrendering and avoid going back to the dark days of ethno-religious crises perpetrated by our enemies for their selfish reasons.

“Laws must not be taken into individual hands. Whatever suspicious moves seen or suspected trouble shooters sighted, attention of security agencies should be drawn. IPA stated in part.

“IPA commends the timely intervention of security agencies in curbing the attacks, arresting suspects, working round the clock to douse tension and curb further escalation of the skirmishes.

“Equally, we commend the relentless efforts and determination of Governor Simon Lalong in addressing security challenges in the state.

“IPA sends its heartfelt sympathy to relations of the victims of the attacks, may God Almighty comfort you and grant you the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, and may the injured receive fast recuperation”.

In its advice, IPA said, “If you are secured in an environment, your brethren are not elsewhere. Blocking road and attacking innocent commuters is endangering the lives of your own in other environments too, let’s think before we act”.