11/15/2018 Nigeria (International Christian Concern) – Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, arrived in Abuja, Nigeria earlier this week. They had planned to go to Jos in efforts to talk about conflict resolution and peace building with local authorities, but the Nigerian Federal Government advised them not to go.
A British foreign spokesperson stated that, “Due to operational constraints beyond our control, we have decided at this time not to include Jos during their royal highnesses” visit to Nigeria. “The decision was taken upon advice from the Nigerian government and others involved in security and operational aspects of the visit.”
The Christian community of Jos was saddened by this statement and upset that the country asked the prince to bypass the city.
A Christian leader in Jos spoke up and stated that “We would have liked Prince Charles to visit Jos and hear from Christians affected by the violence directly. But now we have been robbed of an opportunity to create awareness about our travails with a prominent world figure.”
Jos and the surrounding countryside have been one of the areas that has been hit the hardest by Fulani Militants. It is now believed that in this region the Fulani Militants have taken more lives than Boko Haram terrorist group.
Despite, the attempts local and international leaders have made, the violence continues to escalate. “Many lives have been lost, [along with many] properties, church buildings have been destroyed. Many People have been displaced. People are living in fear, not knowing when death and destruction will visit their community,” stated Dr. Soja Bewarang, the chairman of the Plateau state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria.
For interviews with Nathan Johnson, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].
