Jos Crisis: Christian Group Counters Casualty Figures by Police
Against earlier reports of the number of persons killed and houses burnt in Jos on Sunday with the police putting it at five and 12 respectively, a religious body, Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association (ACIPA) has countered the said figures.
This was contained in a statement issued by the National Chairman of the Christian body, Rev. Luke Shehu in Abuja saying the violence led to the death of 30 persons as well as the destruction of over 20 houses.
ACIPA alleged that some Islamic fundamentalists orchestrated the attack against some churches and areas inhabited by Christians in the state capital.
The group voiced that the attack is a confirmation of the “Fulanisation and Islamisation” of Nigeria, which ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo; a former minister of defence, Lt.-Gen. Theophilus Danjuma and other ethnic nationalities warned about.
“The purported executive order signed by Mr. President revoking all firearms licences with effect from June 1, 2019 is largely seen as a ploy to disarm Christians and minority tribes to the advantage of the Fulani militias and terrorists,” the group expressed.
The Chairman said the association’s inspiration and initiative as a catalyst for a united, peaceful and developed Nigeria “cannot be compromised in spite of any form of persecution and provocation.”
“The attacks on Christians in Jos on Sunday, May 26, 2019 during church worship are sacrilege unimaginable to be carried out in the month of Ramadan”
“Despite the intervention of security operatives in less than 12 hours, about 30 Christians were killed and over 20 houses were burnt or destroyed by Muslim militia, some in military uniforms from around Tina junction, Cele bridge, Dutse Uku and Nasarawa areas, all bordering Muslim communities in Jos North.”
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