STATE BROADCAST BY HIS EXCELLENCY, CHIEF (DR.) JOSHUA C. DARIYE ON THE YELWA CRISIS IN SHENDAM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF PLATEAU STATE ON TUESDAY 11TH MAY, 2004

Fellow citizens of Plateau State, it is with much grief and sorrow that I address you today on the unfortunate sectarian violence at Yelwa Shendam which took place on 3rd May, 2004.

You will recall, that sometimes in February 2004, ethno-religious conflict led to the killing of seventy-one (71) people out of which forty-seven (47) people were massacred in the church. Not only did Government respond firmly and decisively to broker peace, but far-reaching measures were also taken to restore normalcy in the crisis torn area.

Unfortunately however, in a repraisal attack on the 3rd May 2004, sixty seven (67) lives were lost and several houses also destroyed by feuding militia. This has prompted people to flee from the area for fear of an escalation of the crisis.

On behalf of the Government and people of Plateau State, I wish to convey deep condolences to all those who are bereaved as a result of this unfortunate incident. Our deep sympathy goes to the people of Yelwa town and the people of Shendam Local Government Area for the unfortunate loss of lives and property.

I wish to assure citizens of Plateau State that normalcy has been restored to the hitherto restive community. I thank Mr. President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for his prompt response in approving the deployment of additional security personnel to reinforce the joint security patrol on the ground.

We sincerely appreciate the principles of good neighbourliness as examplified by our Sister States of Nasarawa, Bauchi and Taraba. They have shown great magnanimity in providing succour to our citizens who had to flee to their States for safety. We appreciate the immense sacrifice and commitment by security agencies, particularly in containing the crisis. Not least to mention is the commendable role of Local Government Chairmen and Traditional Rulers in the Southern Senatorial zone in pacifying belligerents and providing relief materials. I wish to appeal to all those who fled their homes to return as peace and normalcy has been restored.

Citizens of Plateau State, I wish to assure you by the Grace of God, that the situation is firmly under control. Not only has Government spread its security dragnets around Shendam, Quan-Pan, Mikang, Langtang North, Langtang South, Wase and kanam Local Government Areas, but security has also been reinforced in the Jos Metropolis and the entire State to contain any breaches. Not only do we now have the capacity and capability to contain any breach of the peace, but we are firmly resolved to deal with miscreants. In addition, a high powered Judicial Commission of Inquiry will be set up to unearth the remote and immediate causes of the sectarian violence, to identify culprits and make appropriate recommendations to government.

At this juncture, I want to appeal to the media to exercise maturity and restraint in reporting the incident in Yelwa. Not only have some of these reports been grossly exaggerated, but, the negative and sensational stories have heightened tension created unnecessary anxiety and near panic both within and outside the State.

I wish to appeal to journalists, that in their quest to make a fortune and sell their Newspapers, they must consider the sanctity of human lives and security of the State which they jeopadise in the process. I therefore wish to appeal for balanced, objective and professional coverage at all times.

Furthermore, let me warn those groups and associations whose stock in trade is to forment trouble that there is no hiding place for them in Plateau State. Neither must anyone draw any parallel between the Yelwa incident and the Jos North crisis of 2001.

For the avoidance of doubt, at no time has any Moslem in Jos or any part of Plateau State been served with any quit notice. Rather, let me reiterate that any groups, Moslems, Christians or adherents of other faiths who does not cherish peaceful co-existence with other religious and ethnic groups must reconsider their stance as this is inimical to progress and development.

In conclusion, I wish to appeal to all the feuding parties to sheathe their swords and embrace peace. We must close ranks and forget the painful past, in order to forge ahead. This government and indeed Plateau State which I am previledge to be the Chief Executive has no hidden agenda other than to ensure the peace, welfare and progress of all law abiding citizens irrespective of their religious or ethnic background. May God heal our hearts.