Plateau State Inter-Religious Council Press statement

Plateau State Inter-Religious Council

Press statement

The Plateau State Inter Religious Council consisting of leaders of the various Christian and Islamic faiths on the Plateau expresses its deep shock, sadness and total condemnation over the unnecessary attacks and wanton destruction of lives, ripening farm crops, livestock (cattle) and the razing of houses in Bassa, Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State.

This carnage and blood-letting is a total negation of the teachings of Islam and Christianity. It is not only ungodly and inhuman it is also a denial of both Biblical and Qur’anic teachings and therefore poses a serious threat to human lives, food security, economic and social progress of the state and the nation at large.

We as your spiritual fathers, we are appealing to all involved in the perpetration of this heinous crimes to have a rethink and return to the virtues of Tolerance and Dialogue with one another, restitution, reconciliation and forgiveness, as clearly taught by the holy scriptures.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is reported by Bukhari in the Hadith to have said “a Muslim whose Muslim or non-Muslim neighbor is not safe from his harm is not considered a true believer.”  In the same Hadith the Prophet added that “whoever kills a non-Muslim who has peace agreement with Muslims shall not smell Paradise though its fragrance is felt from a distance of forty years (journey).” Similarly, the Lord Jesus Christ commands His believers that “If your brother wrongs you, go and show him his fault between you and him….” And “Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written, ‘I will repay those who deserve it,’ says the Lord.” (Matt. 18:15-17; Rom. 12:19).

It is abundantly clear that violence has never, and will never, solve our problems. Instead, love, dialogue, mutual understanding, empathy and tolerance is the only possible means of addressing underlying conflict and perhaps the growing insecurity in our land. We urge all of you to recognize our common and shared humanity and to learn to live peacefully with one another. We must do our best to avoid being used as tools in the hands of mischief makers, however highly placed in or outside the country.

This carnage has advanced beyond one tribe versus the other, or one faith versus the other, to criminality versus human dignity and sacredness. We call on government and security agencies to intensify their efforts to restore Peace and Security of all citizens, particularly in vulnerable communities in Bassa LGA. The problem can never be beyond our government and security agencies, being instituted authorities, servants and agents of God to reward the good and punish the wrong in our nation (Romans 6.1-4).

Signed:

Rev. Prof. Pandang Yamsat                                                           H.R.H. Muhammadu Sambo Haruna

Former COCIN President                                                       Emir 0f Wase and Chairman, JNI                                       

 Co-chairman                                                                                       Co-chairman