We’re witnessing a Disturbing Increase of Violence -ECWA
Our reporter
The leadership of the Evangelical Church Winning, ECWA, has cried out that it “is witnessing an alarming escalation of violence in Plateau State, orchestrated by Fulani militia and their sponsors against defenceless communities.”It also expressed “grief and deep concern” over the increasing rate of violent incidents impacting its members and communities in Kaduna and Plateau States.ECWA General Secretary, Rev. (Dr.) Ayuba Asheshe made the position of the Church known while addressing journalists at the Church headquarters in Jos.The cleric who highlighted the losses incurred by the Church as a result of banditry, kidnapping and militia attacks stated that over 100 individuals, including church members and community residents, have been abducted. He disclosed that the denomination had already expended three hundred million naira in ransom payment yet over 50 individuals are still in the hands of their abductors. In contrast, 20 others have lost their lives.He lamented that the situation placed an “unbearable financial strain on the church and affected families, many of whom have lost their livelihoods.”Rev. Asheshe said that the targeting of predominantly farming communities in the region further exacerbates the crisis thereby posing a significant threat to food security in the affected areas and neighbouring communities due to the disruption of agricultural activities.The ECWA scribe emphasized that added to this “immense pain,” was the tragedy that occurred on Easter Monday in Biliri, Gombe State, where a trailer truck lost control and tragically struck a procession of Christians, resulting in the deaths of 5 individuals and injuries to many others.Making particular reference to recent attacks on Zike and Kimakpa communities in the Kwall District of Bassa LGA, Rev. Asheshe described the attacks as “part of a systematic campaign of terror against predominantly Christian communities who have long been marginalized and left vulnerable.”“ECWA is deeply pained by this escalating violence and the immense suffering inflicted upon its members and communities. The long-term consequences of this insecurity, particularly concerning food security and the overall well-being of communities, are of grave concern,” he said.While calling on government at all levels to urgently address “these interconnected menaces,” the Church leader advocated for a concerted effort to develop and implement effective strategies to combat banditry, kidnapping, and militia attacks, so as to restore peace and security to rural areas. He maintained that it was imperative for collaborative efforts towards creating a “safe havens for the present and future generations,” in the country and Plateau State in particular, the cleric called on the Federal Government and Security Agencies to act “swiftly and decisively in bringing the perpetrators of the attacks to justice.”The church leader also called on the Plateau State Government to provide immediate relief and resettlement support to the displaced.He also appealed to the international community, human rights organizations, and global church bodies to raise “their voices and stand in solidarity with the suffering people of Plateau State and Nigeria, however, “Every community to, as much as possible, prepare itself by being vigilant. Reflecting on these events, we remind all Christians of the biblical warnings in Matthew 24 concerning the end times and the need for deep introspection on our lives and readiness to meet Jesus. Let us turn back to God, who will fight for us.”
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