Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Plateau residents to reject ethnic profiling and inherited bitterness, saying those behind violent attacks in the state do not represent any tribe, religion or community.
Shettima spoke on Saturday in Jos during the 80th birthday celebration and public presentation of the autobiography of former Plateau Governor, Sen. Jonah David Jang.
He said lasting peace would only be achieved if the younger generation breaks the cycle of revenge.
“Criminals have no tribe or religion. I urge the younger generation to reject inherited hatred and embrace peace and reconciliation,” Shettima said.
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He expressed concern that many young people, especially women and children in the state, were carrying burdens from conflicts they did not start, making it difficult through out their lives.
“The young men and women of Plateau have inherited baggage they did not create. They carry the grievances of a generation they never met and the quarrels of a history they never wrote,” he said.
The Vice President urged elders to guide the youth towards forgiveness rather than fueling the violence, stressing that instigating violence would not solve the problem.
“Tell them what hatred costs. Show them that forgiveness is the hardest labour a strong man ever undertakes and the only virtue greater than revenge,” Shettima said.
Shettima cautioned against blaming entire ethnic or religious groups for the actions of criminals in the state.
“Those carrying out these atrocities have no mandate from any community. They represent no religion, no ethnicity and no culture. When innocent people are condemned for the sins of criminals, we deepen our divisions and hand victory to those who profit from violence,” he said.
“They turned fertile lands into places of mourning. They emptied markets of laughter. They sought to replace trust with suspicion and hope with fear. Yet, even in these painful moments, the people of Plateau have refused to surrender their humanity,” he said.
Shettima appealed to elder statesmen, particularly Jang, to mentor young people and guide them toward peace.
He described Plateau as central to Nigeria’s history and security, and commended Jang for his decades of service.
News Credit to our media partner DailyTrust Home .
