JOS CRISIS: CNPP CHIEFTAIN LAMENTS FG'S INDIFFERENCE

Following the reported killings of some 43 Igbo traders in Jos, Plateau State, a case has been made for a decisive action by the Federal Government to help the state government stem the crisis from escalating to a tribal conflict.

A chieftain of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), Chief Willy Ezugwu, made this call while addressing Igbo traders during a meeting between Governor Jona Jang and Igbo leaders in the state.

The Igbo Community Association had reported the killing of 43 Igbo traders by rampaging gunmen at Milidi Spare Parts Market, Jos, in broad daylight, even with the presence of men of the Military Task Force.

He faulted the seeming indifference of other governors, especially those from the South East, to the plight of the people and government of Plateau State. 'This is the time other governors should rally round Governor Jang and help intervene at whatever level they could in the efforts to return normalcy to the state capital,' Ezugwu said.

He condemned the serial killings in Jos, which he warned might assume ethnic colouration with the killings of Igbo traders in the state capital.

He also opposed the call by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for a state of emergency in the state, saying that labour goofed with its position and should have rather suggested collaborative efforts to bring about peace in the state instead of calling for emergency that would further make the crisis fester.