Rukuba Road Killings: Deploy Similar Fashion to Arrest and Prosecute Those Terrorizing Bassa, Riyom, Jos North and Barkin Ladi Communities COCIN to FG, Securities

By Ralph Madugu

The leadership of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) has tasked the Federal Government and security agencies to deploy the same intelligence and capacity used to fish out suspected perpetrators of the Rukuba Road killings to arrest and prosecute those terrorizing the indigenous communities in Bassa, Riyom, Jos North and Barkin Ladi LGAs.

COCIN in a statement signed by its President, Rev. Prof. Dachollom C. Datiri, and COCIN General Secretary, Rev. Assoc. Prof. Benjamin Pokol, commended the swift response of the security agencies and the Federal Government to the Rukuba Road killings, saying, “As a church, we hold dearly the sanctity of life and abhor in no uncertain terms the ceaseless bloodbath that has claimed numerous precious lives.”

COCIN however condemned the mowing down of hectares of farms and crops in in the three LGAs describing such acts as “barbaric, savage, wicked, demonic, uncivilized and unacceptable.”

While calling on government to rise to the occasion, take responsibility for the wanton destruction of lives, crops, and properties stating that government must do everything in its constitutional power to project the ideals of justice, righteousness, equity and fairness to all Nigerians, irrespective of their tribes, religions, political and ethnic inclinations.

COCIN said the conflicting reports about the identity of those killed on Rukuba Road, and their mission is also very worrisome, COCIN called on the government to conduct an unbiased investigation to clear rumours, doubts and accusations.

It however, commended the government for putting in placed the curfew which it said, helped to check the escalation of the crisis and possible reprisal attacks.

It also tasked security operatives on the need to intensify efforts during curfews as experience has shown that people are still being attacked and killed. 

Rev. Prof. Dachollom Datiri

While reassuring of its commitment to the pursuance of peace and to peaceful coexistence, COCIN reiterated its readiness to continue to partner with the authorities to ensure that peace is enshrined in our communities.

“At the same time, citizens must remain at heightened state of alert, and reject the natural resort to self-help.

“On the other hand, security agencies should be seen to be responding to distress calls by all communities and act professionally, dispassionately and fairly in all situations where people face existential threats.

“We appeal to both the state and the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency attend to the needs of over 30,000 people displaced from 39 Irigwe communities in Bassa L.G.A. currently in the IDP camps in Miango and Kwall. 

“We equally call on COCIN Ministers and Members to take immediate steps and provide emergency humanitarian assistance to those affected by this crisis. Do not linger on this matter please.”

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