Photos: Huge protest in Jos over herdsmen killings
Christian organisations and sympathizers in black clothing thronged streets of Jos city, Plateau State, North-Central Nigeria to protest against mass killings by suspected herdsmen in several villages in the state.
Local eyewitnesses said more than 200 native farmers were killed on Saturday but the police say only 86 were killed.
Christian organisations and sympathizers in black clothing thronged streets of Jos city,
Association of cattle herders, Miyetti Allah, whose Patron is President Muhammadu Buhari, has said the killings in retaliation to an attack on cows.
A Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere has condemned the attack on farmers and asked Buhari to either accept to the Nigeria’s president or the patron of Miyetti Allah.
In a communiqué at the end of its General Assembly in Akure, yesterday, Afenifere said: “It is very infuriating that the president’s response and that of Miyetti Allah appeared to have been authored from the same laptop. Their reactions did not depict any sense of sympathy or regret.”
sympathizers in black clothing
Miyetti Allah has also issued a statement saying the killings were in retaliation over rustled cattle.
Afenifere has also rejected the Federal Government’s plan to create cattle ranches across the country.
President Muhammadu Buhari visited Jos, the Plateau State capital, yesterday, where he directed security chiefs in the country to remain vigilant and ensure the protection of life and property.
At an interactive session with stakeholders he urged traditional and community leaders to complement government’s efforts by persuading their constituencies to be tolerant.
He said: “I will continue to pressurise members of the law enforcement agencies directly under me by the constitution, as the Commander-in-Chief. About eight days ago, we had a five-hour security meeting of the service chiefs and the inspector-general of police.
“What happened here in Jos is very bad. The question of leadership, from your household to whatever you are, is justice.
The bottom line is justice. That is why wherever I go, I always appeal to the leadership of the communities and the law enforcement agencies to always have control of their constituencies.”
Buhari condoled with the affected families and the government and people of the state.
The president met with traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, representatives of youths, women, trade unions, security chiefs and top government officials.
The protesters wants the authorities to sit up or resign as they are not doing enough to stop the violence.