International Peace Day: Put religion, ethnicity aside, fight your common enemy – Rev. Pam tells Plateau people

The Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) Rev. Yakubu Pam has appealed to citizens of Plateau State to put aside religion and ethnic differences and fight against the common enemy that is inflicting pain on citizens.

He blamed the lingering violence in the state on poor and selfish leadership and urged citizens to begin to shop for credible and self-centred leaders who will be “fair, just and accountable” to the citizenry.

Pam disclosed this on Tuesday to commemorate the 2021 International Peace Day, organized by Samuel Kwamkur Foundation with a theme, “Recovering Better for an Equitable and Sustainable Plateau” held in Jos, the State Capital.

He said, “It is time for all Plateau citizens to come together and speak with one voice. We must leave our religion, ethnicity aside and fight the evil that is working against us.

“We cannot solve our problems through violent approach, we must stop destroying our lives and properties in the name of revenge. We should encourage the emergence of leaders who have the interest of the people and the state at heart”.

Pam who is also Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Northern Nigeria, expressed sadness over the violent attacks that claimed several lives in the state, while he was away to Jordan for pilgrimage and called for a ceasefire.

He said the state needs help at the moment, “particularly now that we have people who are looking for a meal to eat but don’t have especially those in the IDP camps.

“We should not solve our problem through violence, but we must approach our challenges from humanity point of view”, he admonished.

In his remarks, President of Kwamkur Samuel Foundation, Barr. Kwamkur Vondip said the state has gone through persistent killings and destruction of property in rural communities since the enemies of peace sow a seed of violence among the people.

Vondip sympathized with the victims of violent attacks, brutality, kidnapping and urged citizens to unite against those who are dividing citizens along religious and ethnic lines.

“Plateau State, from history is known to be one of the most serene and accommodating states in the whole federation hence our motto “Home of Peace and Tourism.

“Suddenly, the enemy of peace came and sowed seeds of discord amongst us which is complicated by different factors to include; politics, religion, high level of criminality and systemic corruption.

“While we sympathize with those who are victims of brutality, persistent killings and destruction of property in many parts of our communities, we must not give up on ourselves and nation.

“We must not allow few disgruntled elements to cause crises among us.

“We must be on alert to carefully understand what is happening around us”, he maintained.

“I appeal to all to join hands with each other regardless of our tribes, religion and region to ensure that we collectively expose and fight the criminal elements whether they are within us, in the bushes or in high places of authority”, Pam admonished.

He said the administration of Governor Simon Lalong has shown strong commitment towards ending the persistent crisis in rural communities in the state.

Also, a Civil Society Activist, Comrade Gad Peter, urged leaders in the country to dismantle any social status that brings division in the state and nation.

Peter said the government must be seen to be working in the interest of all citizens, adding that, doing so will give them a sense of belonging and unity for peaceful co-existence in the country.