Plateau under threat of genocide attack from militias ― Cleric 

By ISAAC SHOBAYO, Jos

Piqued by the continuous attack on local communities of Bassa local government area of Plateau State, the President Evangelical Church of Winning All, (ECWA) Reverend Stephen Baba Panyan has stated that the people are being threatened with genocide attacks from the militias.

Addressing newsmen in Jos, Plateau State, Reverend Panya, expressed dismay that where the killings and burning are taking place is close to the 3 Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army while nothing is being done to tame the militias.

“What is so sad and inexplicable is that many of the villages, where these killings and burnings are taking place, are basically located behind the 3rd Armored Division Barrack of the Nigerian Army, yet, these militias are allowed to continue their heinous murders and carnage without any intervention by the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.

“This in the least is very fastly eroding the confidence of the populace in the military and security agencies, as unbiased protectors of all, devoid of tribe, ethnicity or religion.”

The ECWA President called on the state and federal governments and security agencies to intervene and prevail on the Nigerian Army and all security agencies to stop the killings

He implored the government to rise up to their responsibility of protecting lives and properties for all citizens irrespective of their tribes, ethnicity or religion, otherwise, the country would fastly degenerate into total anarchy.

Reverend Panya further added that the incidence will not end as usual, with no single AK-47 wielding militia being arrested, persecuted and brought to justice, while the indigenous locals, who tried to defend themselves with crude instruments, are paraded as aggressors.

The ECWA President, therefore, called on the federal and state governments to, immediately send relief materials to the displaced and distressed victims of the crisis, many of who are hungry, homeless and helpless adding that government should also deposit funds with selected reputable hospitals, for the treatment of the many victims of this crisis, who have sustained injuries of various degrees.

Said he: “We are further calling on all well-meaning Nigerians, to be their brothers’ keepers and open up their homes for the displaced persons, provide support for food, water, clothing and medical services to all the victims.

” As a predominantly Christian community under attack, the body of Christ within Nigeria and the world at large is particularly and deeply affected with this crisis. We call upon the entire Christendom to return to God in deep confession, repentance, supplication as we uphold our brethren in prayer.

“God is watching and listening to our prayers and supplications. We should not give up calling upon Him and depend on him wholly for this situation to be brought to an end, especially that all human authorities have woefully failed us.

“The gates of hades shall not prevail against the church of God in Jesus name! (Matthew 16:18). We should like King David in 1st Samuel 30:6, continue to find strength in the Lord!” He said. (Nigerian Tribune)