Jos crisis: No gain but loss

By Naziru Adam Ibrahim   I was born and grew up in an ancient city called Jos, known with the slogan “Home of Peace and Tourism”. But that has since been forgotten, as a result of the ethno-religious crisis and tensions experienced in the city for the hatred of each other instilled into us at early […]

By Naziru Adam Ibrahim

 

I was born and grew up in an ancient city called Jos, known with the slogan “Home of Peace and Tourism”. But that has since been forgotten, as a result of the ethno-religious crisis and tensions experienced in the city for the hatred of each other instilled into us at early ages.

We have had sad experiences from ethno-religious unrest since 2001 to date resulting in the loss of the lives of loved ones, coupled with the destruction of properties.

We cannot visit many places that are important to us for the fear of being attacked. In all this mayhem, no one is better for it.

One annoying thing is that both Muslim and Christian communities are battling with problems of inadequate social amenities, a high rate of insecurity and poor living conditions. From Jenta to Anguwan Rogo, Gangare to Anguwan Rukuba the story is the same but most of us don’t care despite knowing the bad elements among us.

On the other hand, in areas where the elites, from both sides of the religions, live like Federal and State low cost, Rayfield and Millionaire’s Quarters have never  fought one another and nobody cares to ask of why or what they did to achieve that.

Their children have gone far in education, coexisting and helping one another irrespective of religious and ethnic differences while the masses are busy antagonising and killing  one  another hiding under religion and ethnicity.  Those who do not participate in the killings on the streets turned themselves into social media warriors by insulting and trading hatred.

It is high time that we learnt to put what happened behind us. We should realise that we are not enemies. We must keep aside religion, ethnicity and tribal differences and condemn any act of terror and criminality perpetrated by anyone among us.

 

Naziru Adam Ibrahim can be reached through  [email protected]