The Middle-Belt Forum (MBF) has condemned what it described as brazen orchestration of barbarism by some criminal elements masquerading as defenders of traders in Bukuru market, following the implementation of the executive order 3 of the Plateau State Government to sanitize the Jos-Bukuru metropolis and restore the scenic beauty of the city as the Home of Peace and Tourism.

This was contained in a statement by the MBF president, Dr Pogu Bitrus yesterday.

He noted that the unrest and breakdown of law and order occasioned by criminals who even threatened to stone the Governor of the State, Caleb Mutfwang if he visited the scene, was the peak of rascality.

He warned those sponsoring terrorists in the North Central to retrace their steps in the interest of peace.

He said the relocation of the traders who have taken over the Bukuru Cattle Market, and turned it to a safe haven for criminals, who are terorising the city, was done by the government in good faith to protect the citizenry.

The statement further read: “It is even more worrisome that the perpetrators of this heinous crime were whipping religious sentiments by dragging the Christian Association of Nigeria into the fray to incite the people against the government.

“It is pertinent to note that the volatile security of Jos has, over the years, been nurtured and sustained by religious sensationalism, where criminals exploit religion as a platform for mobilisation of religious or ethnic bedfellows to unleash mayhem on unsuspecting victims.

“This must be condemned by all men and women of conscience and goodwill, as it severes the bond of compassion and friendship that holds us together as citizens of this great country.

“The Middle-Belt Forum is using this platform to warn sponsors of terror within the Middle-Belt region to retrace from the archaic and barbaric manipulation of religion to cause confusion and division among the people, leading to loss of lives and property.

“We are committed to the unity, peace and progress of the Nigerian state to allow all citizens to pursue growth and development in a free and egalitarian state, devoid of the mayhem that sectionalism, narrowmindedness, religious bigotry, ethnic jingoism and self-centered pedestrianism often impinge on society.

“The Middle-Belt Forum commends the developmental strides of the Mutfwang administration on the Plateau as a pace setter and icon of hope.

“He has demonstrated high administrative acumen and political dexterity in galvanising the resources of the state, both human and material, for the growth and expansion of the state to the admiration of citizens of the state.

“We urge him to remain focused and resilient in pursuing people oriented policies and programmes for the corporate all-inclusive development of the state without prejudice to tribe or religion.”