Gov. Jonah Jang of Plateau declared on Tuesday in Jos that the recent attack on COCIN headquarters Church in Jos was carried out by forces outside the state.
Jang, who stated this when he received the COCIN President, Rev. Soja Bewarang, who led the Executive Committee members of the Church, said that Plateau people had resolved to live in peace.
“The people of Plateau are anxious to have reconciliation and live together in peace; we definitely want peace which we have started enjoying until the recent bomb blast.
“The crisis in Plateau is no more between the people; the state is under siege and is being attacked from outside forces. I am speaking based on security reports.
“But government is committed to tracing and unmasking all those behind the destruction of lives and property in Plateau and all over Nigeria.”
The governor said the attacks on the state were carried out because God placed Plateau at the heart of the country and that whatever affected the state affected the whole country.
Jang said that no country or state could succeed unless the President or the Governor worked hand-in-hand with the men of God, and called for continued prayers for the state and country.
He, particularly, called for prayers to God to give President Goodluck Jonathan the boldness to tackle the challenges confronting the country, and noted that challenges were getting more complex and required a “bold heart’’.
Earlier, Bewarang had expressed shock that the attack was carried out on the Church when the state had witnessed relative peace for several months.
The President, however, declared that the Church had put the attack behind it and was partnering with government to enable it concentrate on reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation.
“When the governor and religious leaders work harmoniously, there will be peace, harmony and development which COCIN is committed to ensuring in Plateau and Nigeria.”
Bewarang commended President Jonathan, the Senate and its leadership, as well as all well-meaning Nigerians, for their condolences.
The President commended Jang for government’s relief assistance, as well as for the feeding and accommodation of internally displaced persons who fled from Yobe. (NAN)