NUJ Flays Plateau Massacre, Just As UNIJOS Suspends Academic Activities

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Union Journalists (NUJ) Plateau State Council has condemned Saturday’s violent attack in Jos in which 22 travelers from Ondo state were killed.

Describing the incident as unfortunate in a statement, the NUJ noted that the incident is capable of worsening the volatile security situation in Plateau State and Nigeria in general.

The NUJ statement, signed by chairman and secretary, Paul Jatau and Peter Amine respectively is coming just as the University of Jos announced the suspension of the ongoing second semester examination due to the tense security situation.

NUJ stated that “The Council urges security agencies to do their best to apprehend the perpetrators of the dastardly act and bring them to justice so as to serve as deterrent to anyone contemplating unleashing violence in the  state.

“The  Council however, wishes to advice security agencies that in trying to discharge their responsibility of containing the situation and dousing the palpable tension, they should avoid statements that would further polarized the society, pitching a religion or an ethnic group against the other(s).

“It is regrettable that a statement credited to  a credible security outfit named a tribe as being responsible for the attack. It is also worrisome that a religion was also identified as the victims of the attack.

“Journalists on their part, must tow the path of caution, and exercise high level of professionalism in order not to worsen an already bad situation.

“Journalists must avoid stories that are capable of inciting a section of the society against the other.

“We must bear in mind that nobody would be spared if the state and nation is plunged into anarchy, chaos or lawlessness.

“We must be professional, cautious and verify our stories before going to press.

“The NUJ sympathize with families of those who lost their loved ones. While praying for the repose of the soul of those killed, we pray for the fast recovery of those that were injured.”

In a statement by the deputy Registrar, Information of the university, Abdullahi Abdullahi announced that the management of the University  has suspended the ongoing second-semester examinations for the 2019/2020 academic session with immediate effects following security threats in Plateau State.

The statement added that “Following the unfortunate security breach that occurred in some parts of Jos Metropolis, which has led the Plateau State Government to impose a 24-hour curfew in Jos North Local Government Area, the management of the University of Jos has approved the suspension of the ongoing second semester Examinations for the 2019/2020 Academic Session.

“Consequently, all examinations earlier scheduled between Monday 16 and Saturday 21 August 2021 have been suspended until further notice.

“All Students of the University residing in the various hostels are hereby strongly advised to remain within their hostels of residence and avoid unnecessary movements as Management has been working round the clock in close collaboration with the security agencies and the Plateau State Government to ensure that the lives and properties of members of the University Community especially Students are adequately protected.

“Students that are resident outside the Campuses are also advised to remain at home during this period.”