Another Sallah Violence Averted In Jos

In spite of the repeated warnings by security agencies against violence during the Sallah celebration and several stakeholders meetings held between security agencies and religious leaders towards a hitch-free Sallah, Jos, the capital of Plateau State was again Sunday thrown into another violence that nearly consumed the city.

Eye witnesses told newsmen that trouble started when some Muslim  youths that were returning from the prayer ground at Farin Gada area began to throw stones at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and residential buildings in the  area and chanting Alahu-akbar.
The youths who had filled their vehicles with stones, and were brandishing dangerous weapons,    chanting war songs left at least 12 cars of the worshippers parked at the church’s premises damaged.

The Christians in the area, who had earlier retreated into their houses went and mobilized themselves and launched back at the Muslim youths.

But for the timely intervention of the men of the military Special Task Force (STF) and the Police, who dispersed the crowd with gunshots, there would have been a full blown crisis.

The state police command, while confirming the incident in a press statement signed by its Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Danjuma Azikiti  condemned the action of the youths.

He said that it was disheartening to note that in spite of series of parleys with community and religious leaders, and youths; with stern warning issued against the use of abusive and provocative language and carrying of dangerous weapons, some misguided youths still went ahead to ferment trouble.

Azikiti said  that no life was lost, adding that   no church or Mosque was burnt in the incident.
He urged religious leaders and parents to call their followers, children and wards to order as the security strategy already on ground is reassuring and will not spare anyone that violates order.

Recall that similar violence broke out last year during the Eid el Fitr, which led to the death of over 30 lives and destruction of over 200 cars.