PRESS STATEMENT IN COMMEMORATION OF JOS 7TH SEPTEMBER, 2001 RELIGIOUS CRISES BY AREWA CHRISTIANS AND INDIGENOUS PASTORS ASSOCIATION (ACIPA)

Today, 7th September, 2022 marks twenty-one years of sad nostalgic memory of crisis precipitated by terrorists on the Jos Plateau.

Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association ACIPA and indeed all well-meaning Nigerians specially commiserate with those who lost loved ones in that horrific incidence which lasted days, become protracted and become part of our lasting memories.

The memories of Plateau Christians and indeed all lovers of humanity cannot be impaired by the false narratives to distort the reality of the age-long plot against indigenous peoples heritage, identity and cherished values.

In commemorating the lives lost, the bereaved and those who have been rendered orphans and widows, ACIPA also acknowledges the sacrifices and patronage of true patriots of the Plateau cum Northern Christian ideals and common values.

We are aware that the Jos Plateau is intrinsically connected to the political dynamism and greatness of Nigeria. However, ACIPA wishes to warn all proponents of conspiracy and falsehood to the claims over Plateau as well as Nigerian Indigenous people’s rights, values and inheritance to desist. First, we are a people of cherished Christian values then Nigerians.

It is evident that the clash over the Jos Plateau and a host of other ethnic people’s territory is not unconnected to the grabbers of space and territories as their vassal conquered territory. We wish to draw the attention of government at all levels to be wary of policies such as the Federal government’s policy on water ways after the failure of the Ruga and cattle ranching policies.

After ACIPA’s wide consultations, we can affirm that the generality of our Christian brethren across Nigerian believe in one indivisible, prosperous great Nigeria were the rule of law, and social justice thrives in a democratic dispensation and not under sharia. It is evident that the clamour for Sharia is not disconnected to radical ideologies that led to the 7th September, 2001 menace and into the present imbroglio across Nigeria.

Without apology, the New York City twin tower bombing of 11th September, 2001 the Jos attack and the bombing/destruction of Jos main market were orchestrated and timed by the same global terrorist network. Unfortunately, our government did not only lack the practical will but choose to look the other side while they chase shadows.

We hereby draw the attention of the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barrister Simon Bako Lalong to seize forthwith his plans to proceed with the reconstruction of the Jos main market destroyed by terrorist.

Apart from the fact that Plateau people have resisted the rebuilding of the Jos main market through a loan to be facilitated by Jaiz bank, a 100% sharia complaint bank, Governor Lalong lacks the understanding of the values and identity of the Plateau people. Therefore, he lacks the lucus-standi to be the builder of the Jos-main market. All Christian leaders, women, youths and major stakeholders have spoken against the rebuilding of the market through a Jaiz Bank loan with an MOU foisted by people alien to the values identity and history of the Plateau people. Obviously should Governor Lalong insist on imposing his will and that of his shadow allies in imposing their will on the people of Plateau, certainly there shall be a reverberating and ricocheting effect.

Among others, the halfhearted effort to decimate foot soldier terrorists, arrest and prosecute their sponsors and collaborators is now being preceded by focus of government at IPOB and proponents of Biafra. This is a deception given the menace, ferocity and audacity of terrorists and land grabbers in the North veiled as bandits and hoodlums by our government and security forces.

As we commemorate the victims of the 7th September 2001, we also acknowledge and encourage the indigenous people of Plateau and indeed Northern Nigeria to remain resilient, resolute and firm on their values and identity against infiltrators, agent provocateurs and the wolves amongst them who have sold their conscience and birthright either for political exigencies, pecuniary benefits or a sense of false protection.

ACIPA shall soon hold a solemn prayer in commemoration of the 7th September, 2001 attack against our space, identity and common values. It is not a coincidence that the Nigeria National Christian Coalition (N.N.C.C) is also organizing a National “Meet the Church Summit” in Abuja on 20TH September, 2022 to pilot as well as chart a new path of righteous leadership towards the restoration and greatness of Nigeria.

Little wonder, that while evil was planned against a peaceful host Christian of Plateau in September, September is also a month of spiritual resonance and dimension to determine destinies, mandate of Nations and great men. These are great men like the amiable clergy of character, honor and integrity Rev. Father Matthew Hassan Kukah who also marked his birthday in September.

As September 2022 will witness the commencement of political campaign activities, ACIPA and networking partners are making spiritual efforts and initiative to redefine the political direction of Nigeria to her prophetic destiny from this September, 2022.

In conclusion, twenty-one years of commemorating victims of Jos orchestrated attacks is beyond symbolism. What is about to unfold is associated to the Divine perfect will of God over Nigeria as we arise, work and pray in understanding of the signs of the time.

Not only is righteous government around the corner, but judgment over all evil in Nigeria shall manifest. While pundits skeptics, as well as those who reduce spiritual mysteries to academic or intellectual rhetoric of political sciences and religion may keep faltering. The unfolding events that will manifest in the physical from the spiritual is for those understanding the spiritual dynamism, principle and Biblical reference of the two witnesses associated to today’s commemoration on 7th September, 2022.

God Bless Nigeria

Rev. Luke Shehu

ACIPA Chairman and Regional Coordinator N.N.C.C

CC:

The media

All Christian Leaders and Clerics

All security organizations

All monarchs

All politicians

All Ethnic Nationalities Leaders

All INGO’s/NGO’s