THE JOS CURSE

Plateau state in the north central zone of nigeria is known for its tourism potentials all over the country.the state known for its mountains,hills and cold weather used to be the toast of many nigerians because of its peaceful ambience and its european-like friendly weather.

Unfortunately,all that is in the past now as the state is now known as the battle field for recurrent ethno-religious crisis and beginning to be a no-go area for non-residents of the state.The plateau/north frequent crisis has become an embarrasment to successive nNigerian governments and its people because of the impression it gives to the outside world that the Nigerian state tolerates religious bigots and extremists.This writer thinks government should take the large portion of the blame for this recurrent crisis.Both state and federal government usually set up kangaroo panels to look into the causes of this crisis and come up with suggestions on how to proffer solutions.But,these panels resolutions are not implemented by the government that is if at all the panel comes up with one.It is high time government,at all levels take bold and critical steps to nip this crisis in the bud.

Government should make sure that perpatrators of these heinuos crimes are brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others who would contemplate toeing that path in future.Government should also create jobs for millions of jobless youths roaming the streets,as they are willing tools for unleashing violence on innoncent Nigerians.Religious leaders should also call their subjects to order and make them understand that violence is alien to both islam and christianity.Deploying troops and imposing curfews after every cricsis is a fire brigade approach and will only serve as a short term solution to each crisis.Prof. Akunyili's army of re-branding experts could also come in handy,if they unleash all their vital communication techniques at their disposal on the people of plateau and make them realize this country belongs to us all.

Elder statesmen and political leaders of plateau descent like Yakubu Gowon,Ibrahim Mantu,Damishi Sango e.t.c should also take necessary steps to educate their followers on the implications of these crises on plateau state's image and Nigeria in general.It is my sincere hope that this recent crisis would be the last in jos and indeed every part of northern Nigeria.The northern elites should do something about these frequent clashes,as most southeners are beginning to have sentimental views about northerners and their religion.Already,most fresh graduates from the southern part of the country dread going to the north for their one year compulsory youth service.While an average youth in southern nigeria thinks all northeners are violent.All these perceptions and mistrust are not good for the country's unity.