In a bold move, renowned religious leader Prophet Isa El-Buba has given the government and security agencies a stern 21-day ultimatum to take decisive action towards the restoration of villages ravaged by violence in Plateau State. He also emphasized the urgent need for the immediate return of locals who were forcibly displaced from their ancestral lands by terrorists.
Prophet Isa El-Buba made these demands on Saturday, January 6th, 2024, as he led the Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN), along with various women groups, youth groups, religious organizations, NGOs, pressure groups, and concerned Nigerians in a “Plateau Prayer and Mourning Rally.” The gathering aimed to pay homage to the victims of the Christmas Eve Massacre that occurred on December 24th, 2023, in parts of Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State.
During the rally, Prophet Isa El-Buba expressed his frustration over the tragic events, stating, “We will not continue to mourn, and it is not about Muslim or Christian, but a deliberate attempt by Fulani Militia to wipe away a people from their ancestral land. It is a simple act of terrorism and genocide.” He asserted that the demand for government action is not a mere political statement but a call for tangible political action.
Giving a stern ultimatum, El-Buba declared, “We give you 21 days to take action… We stand with the Government of Plateau state to say together we will fight this fight, and we demand that the president of Nigeria and the Military take action within 21 days.” He emphasized that citizens will not wait indefinitely and warned that if no action is taken, they will take matters into their own hands.
El-Buba urged citizens not to relent in their demand for justice and called for continued prayers until a definitive solution is achieved. He stressed the interconnectedness of the villages with the city, highlighting the impact of events in rural areas on urban dwellers.
In a potential escalation of his commitment, El-Buba hinted at leading the rebuilding of the ravaged villages if the government fails to take necessary actions within the specified timeframe. Additionally, he pleaded with the government to regulate alcohol consumption in villages and communities within Plateau State.
Representatives from Civil Society Organizations, including Comrade OJ Afwanks, and Pastor Margeret Inusa, who spoke on behalf of women, echoed El-Buba’s sentiments, expressing sadness over the recent killings and urgently calling for actions to restore hope and confidence among citizens. The 21-day ultimatum marks a critical turning point in the demand for justice and accountability in the wake of the Christmas Eve tragedy.
