JOS CRISIS: ‘Differences cannot be resolved by abuses or by bullets’— Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned renewed violence in Jos which has led to the imposition of a curfew in the Plateau State capital.

Speaking, Buhari said, “I am deeply worried about the seeming indifference to the sanctity of life by criminals whose hearts are hardened by evil.”

The president recalled that through the last three and a half years of the present administration in the state, the government had worked very hard with various communities and clearly demonstrated that lasting peace can be achieved.

“I know it is not an easy thing. It is a very difficult thing. But the resultant peace achieved by the people of Plateau State should not be squandered. Every citizen deserves stability and development. Peace has no alternative. It is my appeal to all the communities in the state capital, and the entire state as a whole to embrace peace. Where there are differences, dialogue should be used to bring about understanding. There is also the due process of the law. Differences cannot be resolved by abuses or by bullets.”

Buhari once again lamented that some politicians are promoting ethnic and religious prejudices for cheap popularity, despite the knowledge that such incitement could play into the hands of hate mongers.

He said his administration would continue to engage with stakeholders to address the root causes of this repeated violence in Plateau State and other parts of the country. He however warned that no responsible government would allow anarchy to replace law and order.

Meanwhile, the management of the University of Jos has reacted to reports of the killing of some students in the latest crisis.

It said in a statement thus: “Following the unfortunate security breach that occurred in some parts of Jos Metropolis, the attention of the Management of the University of Jos has been brought to the plethora of unverified information being circulated especially on the social media about casualty figures said to have been recorded among students of the University.

“It is claimed that seven (7) students of the university have been killed as a result of the skirmishes.

“Management wishes to clarify that after a rigorous search was carried out, one (1) student is still missing while (1) student was confirmed dead and two (2) other students were reported injured. The corpse of the deceased student has since been deposited in the mortuary.

Read also: INDEPENDENCE DAY: Buhari’s administration reminiscent of colonial rule – PDP

“The injured student is still receiving treatment in the hospital while the other one has been discharged. Out of respect for the families of the affected students, the university authorities have decided not to disclose the identities of the dead and the injured but would do so in due course.

“It should, however, be noted that following the breakdown of peace in the metropolis, management has been working round the clock in close collaboration with the security agencies and the Plateau State Government to ensure that the lives and property of members of the University community especially students are adequately protected.

“While expressing deep commiseration to the family of the deceased student, the injured and all those who suffered losses during this unfortunate incident, management wishes to appreciate the government, security agencies as well as members of the public who have shown great concern about the plight of the university during this difficult period.

“Members of the university community especially staff and students are hereby advised to exercise caution and comply with all security directives during this period,” the statement added.

Also speaking on the violence, the spokesperson of the OPSH, Adam Umar, said some people have been arrested.

“Our aim is to ensure peace and stop the killing. We have made some arrests. That is our concern. The commander of the operation has gone round to the affected areas. He had a meeting with religious and community leaders,” Umar said.

The state police commissioner, Undie Adie, had earlier on Rhythm FM, asked people from Tina Junction, Dutse Uku, Ring Road and Faringada to stay indoors due to the situation of the area.

The state governor, Simon Lalong, in his speech on Independence Day, called on the people to live in peace and unity.

 

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