Trivial 10
By Dr. Aliyu Tilde
Jos Again (updated)
Jos is at it again. Two bomb blasts a day before Christmas in Christian dominated areas have today sparked off skirmishes in a number of neighbourhoods at the peripheries of the main city. The number of lives lost from the blasts is officially put at 32 while over 70 people are reportedly injured. The number of victims from today’s skirmishes is not reported. There are reports that lives have been lost and properties burnt.
Officials have not yet ascertained those behind the bombings. No group has claimed responsibility. From his comments over the BBC Hausa Service, Governor Jang is pointing a finger at his political opponents who want to use the crisis situation to their advantage. There are at least nine gubernatorial aspirants contending with the governor for the ruling party’s gubernatorial ticket. The governor claims that his government has evidence on the involvement of such people in the incident.
His opponents in the party accused the governor of mastermindin the bombs, pointing to the large amounts of weapons discovered in various locations in his local government of Jos South recently.
The recent claim of responsibility by a website claiming to be Muslim is seen as false and an attempt to fuel the crisis. Prayers have been held in various mosques calling on God to curse the perpetrators of the bombings.
The President has condemned the incident and said its perpetrators will be brought to book. The Chief of Army Staff called it an act of terrorism and blamed failure of intelligence on the part of the military and other law enforcement agents on ground.
Observers believe that the present conflict is likely to be different from previous ones in the increased sophistication of the arms used and in the presence of security agents on ground.
The use of explosives was predicted as the sophistication of weapons used by both factions in the crises continued to increase with every incident. Explosives are likely to raise casualties beyond previous figures and make the crisis difficult to quell quickly. It is doubtful whether increase intelligence is likely to bring about substantial reduction in occurrence given the poor state of security in the country. Averting bomb explosions has proved difficult even for elite armies of US and NATO in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The presence of the military on ground will help in controlling fights in Jos town and raids of rural communities by ethnic militia in rural areas as it happened last February. In previous crises, damage to lives and property were incurred in the first 2 – 3 days before the military could be mobilized to various communities. This time around, the military has been all over the city and its surrounding communities since the February crisis.
The following days will be tense in both Christian and Muslim neighbourhoods of the city. If the governor’s claim is true, then more devastating explosions will be expected to happen soon in Muslim quarters of the city to give a semblance of reprisal by the same agents who detonated the yuletide bombs.
There has been concern in intelligence circles that politicians on the Plateau may use the vulnerability of the state to their advantage by fomenting further crisis in the build up to 2011 elections. And given the decade of mutual animosity between the communities, it is unlikely that the population of Jos will fail to be incited by such machinations.
Plateau state is predominantly Christian and the fight between the politicians there would essentially be won by who carries the heat of Christian population. It is unfortunate that the bombings that cause so much damage to lives and properties could be done for this purpose.
May God save the innocent and may the inhabitants of Jos Plateau decide to stay in peace with one another.
Bauchi
26 December 2010
14 comments:
Jos Matter can not come under trivia O! Pls build another section
I agree with the Anonymous commentator above
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajiun...
Sir, could you kindly explain this sentence "The use of explosives was predicted as the sophistication of weapons used by both factions in the crises continued to increase with every incident."?
The evils perpetrated in Jos under the guise of religious conflict is humiliating.
I hope they will not later link it to religion? It is a funny country we are living in. I recall the Oct. bomb blast and the C-in-C first remark. Well, they said they will "investigate and fish them out".
I wish them luck.
Our heart goes to those killed in these senseless circle of violences in jos and plateau in general,when people have lost their sense of humanities,when passion,mutual hatred ,vendatta and assured destruction of both societies, where no one can be a winner, i hope the leaders in jos,can rise above their pettiness,especially the bigotary ,ehtno-religious leaders,i had been to jos 50 times during the former state of emergency on peace mission, was opnce trapped between 830 pm to 5 am, i cannot share my experiences because the same actors are there,but i can give an example Long mai sheldas, was chairman of traditional council of chiefs arrived sokoto at 5pm for caliphates 200 years anniversary, deputy governor wammako now governor tol;d them no accomadation for plateau councils of chiefs, they turn back to arrive in plateau at 3am, even though lack of payments of civil servants salaries, and tjhe fact that the muslims were traders so could marry their young girls as christian could not get their salaries plus the mosque that was claimed to be built blocking access road, but no doubt sokoto visit was the proximate cause of shendam crises, we later got my his soul be in aljannah, a perfect gentleman sultan maccido to apologise,lives were already lost,politicians who like grand standing, semi illiterates are one of our major problems, one damage by them takes along time to heal.
From what I ready in the Newspapers today, the problem has already taken a “religious” connotation and mayhem in going on. It looks like Jos is becoming more barbaric.
I must admit that I am totally dismayed and disappointed with the situation. It makes me feel totally distressed and hopeless. My sympathy and prayers goes to the poor innocent common people who have always been the main victims.
I just cannot escape the feeling that the leaders in that State lack commitment and honesty to solve the problem and if this attitude does not change, it will engulf everybody including those who refuse face the truth and help solve the problem. However, a permanent enduring solution must be found. It is not just a colossal security issue for Plateau State alone. It is for the whole nation.
Jos! Jos!! Jos!!! "Allah Ya raba mu da jarabar Jos." (May Allah save us from the tumoil of Jos) This is one of the oldest form of prayer in Hausa land. In my opinion and observation, in as much as Jang remain the governor of Plateau I doubt if Jos will experience peace again. As a leader, this guy has woefully failed to be a father to all. He adamantly and arrogantly remain a tribalist who launch a genocide against Hausa/Fulani Community in the state. If at all I have my way, I would have dissolve Plateau State and share it among its neighbours - Bauchi, Nasarawa and Kaduna.
@Dr. Tilde: I agree with some of the respondents as regards to the title of your Blogg. You are discussing heart burning issues that affect the lives of humanity, thus calling it TRIVIAL is not desirable. I suggest that you rename it with befitting caption, please.
May Allah save us from Jarabar Jos, amin!
jos to me is a clear case of failed leadership that abdicates its responsibility in persuance of selfish and inhuman ethno religious agenda. i beleive that place should be splited to let peace reign. its a terrible situation that must not be allowed to continue
A permanent solution is urgently required to this national embarassment. Curb out Katagum State from Bauchi and merge Jos-North and Wase LGs with new Bauchi state
FULANI HERDSMEN ATTACK AGAIN
The guerrilla warfare embarked upon by the Fulanis on the Jos Plateau continues unabated. While the security agents stationed here were beefing up security on Monday, 21 February 2011 following rumours of planned attacks, a bunch of murderous Fulani herdsmen were headed for Bere village in Fan District of Barkin Ladi LGA. By 1:00 am, Tuesday 22 February, 2011 when the Fulanis were on their return journey, there were 18 corpses strewn all over the village, mainly of women and children, but including that of their leader.
As usual, by the time the Nigerian peace keeping soldiers arrived on the scene of the incident, they were late by hours and so no arrests were effected. The natives who attempted to give chase to their assailants were stopped by the Federal troops. One of the survivors said he recognized one of their attackers as Dangana who lived with his cattle near the village. Guns and machetes were freely used and arson perpetrated in the attack.
Shockingly, it has been reported that the Commander of the Special Task Force stationed in Jos said he refused to send his men early enough because Plateau people have consistently demanded for the withdrawal of the soldiers. That demand by Plateau people was made along with reasons which he should have mentioned.
A pattern has, however, emerged in these unprovoked attacks. In 90% of these incidences, cattle are rustled. It sounds to me as if the Fulanis trying to make a statement to all who care to listen that, "All non-Fulanis who have gone into the business of cattle raring should stop it as it is the sole preserve of the Fulanis." Majority of their victims have been cattle and ranch owners irrespective of tribe. They and their wives and children have been mercilessly killed and their cattle taken away.
For how long do the bush nomadic Fulani herdsmen of Nigeria think that the world will wait for them to breed their cattle solely on the sparse Savannah grasses? Populations are exploding and demands for beef are ever increasing. Moreover, health considerations are turning people more and more to the professionals and ranch breeders who are all-comers from all parts of Nigeria. May be our Fulanis need assistance so that they can improve their animal husbandry methods and retain their inherited means of livelihood. Educated Fulanis like Dr. Aliyu Tilde should be able to prepare necessary blueprints which will enable government to formulate policy in this direction just like the much-touted Almajiri Education being poposed for Jigawa State. I will therefore mail a copy of this post to him in the honest belief that, as an intellectual, he will take up this suggestion, investigate into the reasons for Fulani attacks on non-Fulani cattle rarers and proffer lasting solutions their problem.
Rev. James Pam
jamespam2004@yahoo.com
josplateauaffairs.blospot.com
FULANI HERDSMEN ATTACK AGAIN
The guerrilla warfare embarked upon by the Fulanis on the Jos Plateau continues unabated. While the security agents stationed here were beefing up security on Monday, 21 February 2011 following rumours of planned attacks, a bunch of murderous Fulani herdsmen were headed for Bere village in Fan District of Barkin Ladi LGA. By 1:00 am, Tuesday 22 February, 2011 when the Fulanis were on their return journey, there were 18 corpses strewn all over the village, mainly of women and children, but including that of their leader.
As usual, by the time the Nigerian peace keeping soldiers arrived on the scene of the incident, they were late by hours and so no arrests were effected. The natives who attempted to give chase to their assailants were stopped by the Federal troops. One of the survivors said he recognized one of their attackers as Dangana who lived with his cattle near the village. Guns and machetes were freely used and arson perpetrated in the attack.
Shockingly, it has been reported that the Commander of the Special Task Force stationed in Jos said he refused to send his men early enough because Plateau people have consistently demanded for the withdrawal of the soldiers. That demand by Plateau people was made along with reasons which he should have mentioned.
A pattern has, however, emerged in these unprovoked attacks. In 90% of these incidences, cattle are rustled. It sounds to me as if the Fulanis trying to make a statement to all who care to listen that, "All non-Fulanis who have gone into the business of cattle raring should stop it as it is the sole preserve of the Fulanis." Majority of their victims have been cattle and ranch owners irrespective of tribe. They and their wives and children have been mercilessly killed and their cattle taken away.
For how long do the bush nomadic Fulani herdsmen of Nigeria think that the world will wait for them to breed their cattle solely on the sparse Savannah grasses? Populations are exploding and demands for beef are ever increasing. Moreover, health considerations are turning people more and more to the professionals and ranch breeders who are all-comers from all parts of Nigeria. May be our Fulanis need assistance so that they can improve their animal husbandry methods and retain their inherited means of livelihood. Educated Fulanis like Dr. Aliyu Tilde should be able to prepare necessary blueprints which will enable government to formulate policy in this direction just like the much-touted Almajiri Education being poposed for Jigawa State. I will therefore mail a copy of this post to him in the honest belief that, as an intellectual, he will take up this suggestion, investigate into the reasons for Fulani attacks on non-Fulani cattle rarers and proffer lasting solutions their problem.
Rev. James Pam
jamespam2004@yahoo.com
josplateauaffairs.blospot.com
FULANI HERDSMEN ATTACK AGAIN
The guerrilla warfare embarked upon by the Fulanis on the Jos Plateau continues unabated. While the security agents stationed here were beefing up security on Monday, 21 February 2011 following rumours of planned attacks, a bunch of murderous Fulani herdsmen were headed for Bere village in Fan District of Barkin Ladi LGA. By 1:00 am, Tuesday 22 February, 2011 when the Fulanis were on their return journey, there were 18 corpses strewn all over the village, mainly of women and children, but including that of their leader.
As usual, by the time the Nigerian peace keeping soldiers arrived on the scene of the incident, they were late by hours and so no arrests were effected. The natives who attempted to give chase to their assailants were stopped by the Federal troops. One of the survivors said he recognized one of their attackers as Dangana who lived with his cattle near the village. Guns and machetes were freely used and arson perpetrated in the attack.
Shockingly, it has been reported that the Commander of the Special Task Force stationed in Jos said he refused to send his men early enough because Plateau people have consistently demanded for the withdrawal of the soldiers. That demand by Plateau people was made along with reasons which he should have mentioned.
A pattern has, however, emerged in these unprovoked attacks. In 90% of these incidences, cattle are rustled. It sounds to me as if the Fulanis trying to make a statement to all who care to listen that, "All non-Fulanis who have gone into the business of cattle raring should stop it as it is the sole preserve of the Fulanis." Majority of their victims have been cattle and ranch owners irrespective of tribe. They and their wives and children have been mercilessly killed and their cattle taken away.
For how long do the bush nomadic Fulani herdsmen of Nigeria think that the world will wait for them to breed their cattle solely on the sparse Savannah grasses? Populations are exploding and demands for beef are ever increasing. Moreover, health considerations are turning people more and more to the professionals and ranch breeders who are all-comers from all parts of Nigeria. May be our Fulanis need assistance so that they can improve their animal husbandry methods and retain their inherited means of livelihood. Educated Fulanis like Dr. Aliyu Tilde should be able to prepare necessary blueprints which will enable government to formulate policy in this direction just like the much-touted Almajiri Education being poposed for Jigawa State. I will therefore mail a copy of this post to him in the honest belief that, as an intellectual, he will take up this suggestion, investigate into the reasons for Fulani attacks on non-Fulani cattle rarers and proffer lasting solutions their problem.
Rev. James Pam
jamespam2004@yahoo.com
josplateauaffairs.blospot.com
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