At the last count, more than 400 people have lost their lives and over 40,000 others displaced in the latest carnage in Jos. And this is less than two years after the last one in November 2008. The reality is also that the white papers on the panels set up by the Federal and State governments are yet to be out on the last violence. People are skeptical that anything tangible would come out of the panels as such exercises in the past never yielded any positive change. 

Significantly, the deep-seated hatred between the Beroms, Anagutas etc and the Hausa Fulani would not allow a far-reaching peace to be achieved as these ethnic groups are not ready to budge. The arguments on the issues surrounding ‘indigenous owners’, ‘settlers’ and other ethnic groups are very complex. When ethnicity and perceived rights are thrown up, only the appeal to common sense and brotherliness may suffice to douse the heightened tension bound to arise. This is where a proactive government comes in.The importance of setting the foundation of a nation on justice, equity and fairness cannot not be overemphasized. Our country, in order to progress cannot be found wanting on these platforms. When caution and soundness is thrown to the wind in making crucial decisions, the result is always the kind of carnage being witnessed in Jos. Creating a local government council to appease or appeal to the sentiments of a particular ethnic group is not and would never be a wise decision. The 1991 creation of Jos North Local Council by ex-military president, General Babangida was and remains a critical point that sparks this accumulated violence. 

While it may be argued that the intention behind that action was not meant to foster violence and destruction, careful appraisal of the issues on ground would reveal that the people concerned have brought both religious and ethnic considerations to bear on the problem. And on both sides of the divides, blames must be appropriately apportioned. 

Our government must be up and very decisive in dealing with the challenge posed by this issue. If care is not taken, this could turn out to be a major security issue that could consume the whole country as daily comments by religious leaders have pointed only one direction; potential anarchy! 

Having deployed troops to quell the violence, what should be the next line of action in dealing with this situation? How do we prevent a spill over into other states that are rather interested in declaring emergency rule in Plateau? What would be the fate of the displaced people who though are alive but in reality are living like the dead? 

These and many more questions should form the thrust of the actions of the Federal Government in the next days. I must also state here categorically that all efforts to provide succor to affected people must be done in tandem with the Plateau State Government and the Governor in particular must be allowed to coordinate such. Ignoring the state government like it was done the last time would never augur well for the peace process. 

We need to reappraise our security and justice system. What happened to those people arrested during the last violence? If they are still being held in Abuja as some claim, what are the plans to bring them to book for the atrocities committed? The fact that justice is not quickly served in our country emboldens perpetrators of evil to continue in their trade and I hope the set of people arrested this time around would quickly be tried and if found guilty punished according to the laws of the land. 

It is very critical for our political elites to know that injustice cannot reign forever. Where the security of lives and property cannot be guaranteed, where there’s no respect for the lives of others; there’s really no safety for anyone. If our leaders are not interested in doing what is right, sooner than later, there would not be any country called Nigeria!