CAN, Youths, Ethnic Nationalities Protests Killings in Plateau

Jide Afolabi, Jos

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Plateau North, Youths and Women Wing of CAN, youths of ethnic nationalities and other groups staged a peaceful protest in Jos, Plateau state capital today in reaction to the unabated killings and destructions in the state.

The protest which began around 9am on Wednesday took off from the popular Old Airport Roundabout and terminated at the Government House, Little-Rayfield, Jos.

Hundreds of protesters dressed in black colour to register their grievances against the killings and wanton destruction of properties in the state especially in Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Jos South local government areas.

The protesters

The protesters were however disappointed as neither the Governor nor his deputy was around to receive them at the Government House. Meanwhile, the protesters rejected Director, Press and Public Affairs, Mr Emmanuel Nanle from addressing them.

Protesters also frown at the unprofessional conducts of the police attached to the Government House. They expressed shock and queried the rationale behind police usage of live ammunition to disperse the peaceful protesters.

It was reported that live shots were fired at the peaceful protesters by the police in their efforts to disperse the huge crowd.

Dignitaries at the protest includes Rev. Canon Nenman, CAN Chairman, Jos North/ Plateau Northern Zone, Pastor Julius Arabo, Secretary, CAN, Plateau North, Mrs Rhoda Jahota, Women Wing of CAN (WOWICAN), Plateau state, Chairperson and Pharmacist Markus Kanda, Youth Wing of CAN, YOWICAN, Plateau state Chairman.

It would be recalled that over 200 people were reportedly killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen in the last few days.