The Plateau State Head of Service, Engineer Sunday Hyat has lamented over the unprovoked attacks and killing of the Ganawuri people by the Fulani Herdsmen despite their efforts to live in peace with them.
Engr. Hyat was speaking while responding to condolence greetings to his family by the leadership of the Church of Christ in Nations, COCIN led by the Church President, Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo at his Residence in Jos, Plateau State Capital.
He noted that though there were pockets of crime being perpetrated by the Fulanis in Ganawuri but they have been trying to manage it and that is why Ganawuri has not recorded major crisis in the recent past. But according to him all their efforts in managing some of the incidenced inorder to live in peace with the Fulani people is being undermined by the recent killings of his cousin and two of his children by the Fulani people.
“This recent one started in the market, and since the market is in our community, we engaged in meetings with the GOC of Rukuba Barracks at the STF office with the fulani leaders both from Ganawuri, Riyom, Plateau and the national body, some came from Kaduna State.
“We had a successful meeting and the GOC said he was happy with the meeting where he asked the Fulani leader (Ardo) to fish out some of their boys that were being accused of involvement in the incident, he gave him one week to produce them since the Village head of the affected Community has fished out his own people who were in the market during the incident.
“But unfortunately that same night of the meeting was the night that the Fulanis launched the attack. They killed my brother, a Pastor with COCIN and his 2 sons.” He said.
Engineer Hyat said he was surprised how the attackers singled out the pastor’s house for attack in the community, noting that it seems they are targeting the church now. According to him, last year it was the Chairman of the Regional Church Council ,RCC that they kidnapped at his residence in Ganawuri, they had also attempted to kidnapped a Catholic Rev. Father but could not get him and they kidnapped one of his boys.
Earlier, the COCIN President, Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo who led the team apologized to the family on their inability to attend the burial, saying they were away for some engagement when the incident happened. He said they are in his residence to condole with them, encourage and pray together for God’s comfort over the unfortunate incident.
He said the sad even is painful and their hearts are heavy but they should find solace in God. Reminding the family that God is aware of everything, adding that as a Church they are also affected directly. The team also prayed for return of peace in the state.
The COCIN team that visited the Head of Service included the vice president, Rev. Dr. Timothy Nwan, the Church Deputy General Secretary, Rev. Dauda Jimra, the Chief Security Officer, Rev. Col. Lot (Rtd) and the Protocol Officer, Rev. Mikang Gukam.
The slain pastor and his 2 sons have since been buried last week after their brutal killing by their attackers.
