04/27/2022 Nigeria (International Christian Concern) – The National President of Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Prince Robert Ashi Dodo, has likened the situation confronting the Rigwe Nation to that of the Israelites, who in spite of numerous enemies have remained indomitable.
Prince Ashi made the statement on April 23 at Kwall during the mass burial of Mr. Timothy Weyi Doro, Mrs. Naomi Bitrus, and Abba Zereh whose lives were inhumanely cut short by militants in an ambush along Twin Hill Road, Miango.
The President, who was emotional in his address, noted that the Rigwe nation has been the subject of serial and incessant attacks by the marauders. But God, he said, who created the Rigwe people with a divine purpose has been sustaining and preserving the people and the land despite their enemies’ plans to wipe out all the people and seize the land.
“It is high time Plateau tribes understand that what is happening is not about Rigwe land and people but is an agenda aimed at ethnic cleansing of all Plateau tribes,” Prince Ashi said. “It has happened with Tarok, Berom, Anaguta, Mwagavul, Afizere, and others meaning it is about Plateau.”
He called for cooperation and unity in the effort to end the spate of terror and mayhem being unleashed on Plateau State. Finally, Prince Ashi commiserated with the immediate family and the entire Rigwe nation, called for vigilance and consciousness in terms of security, and thanked those who came from different places to join the nation in mourning and praying.
Earlier, before the IDA President’s remarks, the National President of the Irigwe Youth Movement (IYM), Ezekiel Peter Bini, lamented and said the nation has cried enough. The rate of youths being killed, Bini said, is causing the nation a serious setback because the youths are the foundation of the land.
Bini said thar all efforts to broker peace between the Rigwe people have proved fruitless. Peace is not in words or statements but in practice and action, Bini said, adding that local Fulani militants have proven themselves uninterested in true peace.
“I want to charge our two representatives here, the Honorable Agah of Jos North and Bassa Federal Constituency and the Honorable Mwadkwon of Barkin Ladi and Riyom, to take the plights of Rigwe People to the floor of the National Assembly,” Bini said. “Demand the immediate removal of the G.O.C and Commandant of Operation Safe Haven Plateau State, Maj Gen IS Ali because he has failed. It’s glaring that he is not doing the bidding of the people but another agenda.”
For his part, the Member Representing Jos North and Bassa Federal Constituency, the Honorable Musa Agah Avia, lamented the poor handling of security challenges by the Nigerian Security agencies and urged all to rise above sentiment and serve the country.
He noted that the Rigwe people are not being appropriately considered and cared for. “The latest Kanam and Wase attacks and the kind of security agents have given is indication of the low priority the Rigwe people receive in spite of the numerous lives lost and the destruction of property and farmlands in the land.”
“What is the essence of government or representation if the people and their belongings are not safe and secured?” Avia asked. “We must know that if there are no people then there is no politics.”
Hala Biti Dodo, District Head of Kwall who represented the paramount ruler of the Rigwe Nation, encouraged the people to sustain their faith and prayers for the land.
He said he and the paramount ruler visited the Honorable Member and family members of the deceased persons and commiserated with them.
In his sermon, Reverend Joshua Barry charged the people to be hopeful there comes a day of reckoning when the attackers will regret their action.
Taking his text from 1 Samuel 17:45-46 with the theme “He Lives,” Barry noted that for all the ugly incidents permeating the nation, Jesus will, at the appointed time, cause the enemies to stumble and face huge defeat.
The atmosphere was sober, emotional, and touching as mourners and sympathizers shed tears for the fact that the positive contributions and good works of those killed will be greatly missed.
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