Prior to the sectarian crises in Plateau State and the one which started in January 2010, the state was known as the home of peace and tourism largely because of the peaceful co-existence among the diverse ethno-religious groups in the state. It served as a model to other states in the past and attracted tourists. Unfortunately this is not so as the incessant sectarian crisis has left a negative impression on the minds of many.
Barely a year after enjoying relative peace, residents of Jos were once again plunged into a catastrophic unrest as a violent conflict was witnessed in some parts of Jos. Unfortunately, till date am not sure of what caused the rancour in Nassarawa Gwong area, a place in the troubled Jos North Local Government Area of the State. I recall with fear and gratitude to God on Tuesday morning 18th Jan, at about 6:30am when shouts from neighbours startled me around Old Legislative Quarters on Bauchi Ring Road. As we were under attack by some youths leaving six people with serious gunshot wounds and an okada man who helped a young lady killed by another group of youths around the Senior Staff Quarters, University of Jos. Luckily, after several hours of running back and forth, a military truck came to the quarters at about 10:30 am and hovered for 30minutes because there were fake military men around the area. Some of us escaped the area in the truck in our sleeping garments.
By Nkeiruka j.Arinze
