Criminals have no tribe, religion, says Shettima

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The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Saturday declared that criminals behind violent attacks in Plateau State have no tribe or religion, warning against ethnic profiling and the collective blame of communities for the actions of criminals.

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Speaking at the 80th birthday celebration and public presentation of the autobiography of former governor of the state, Jonah Jang, in Jos, Shettima urged residents of the state, particularly the younger generation, to reject inherited hatred and embrace peace and reconciliation.

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The Vice President cautioned against blaming entire ethnic or religious groups for the actions of criminals.

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“Criminals have no tribe or religion and I urge the younger generation to reject inherited hatred and embrace peace and reconciliation.

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“Those carrying out these atrocities have no mandate from any community. They represent no religion, no ethnicity and no culture. When innocent people are condemned for the sins of criminals, we deepen our divisions and hand victory to those who profit from violence,” he said.

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Shettima expressed concern that many young people in the state were carrying burdens from conflicts they did not start.

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The Vice President urged elders to guide the youth toward forgiveness, saying “The young men and women of Plateau have inherited baggage they did not create. They carry the grievances of a generation they never met and the quarrels of a history they never wrote.

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“Tell them what hatred costs. Show them that forgiveness is the hardest labour a strong man ever undertakes and the only virtue greater than revenge.”

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Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, Shettima added, “The weak can never forgive; forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”

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He lamented the impact of years of violence on communities in the state.

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The Vice President appealed to elder statesmen, particularly Senator Jang, to continue mentoring the younger generation.

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“They turned fertile lands into places of mourning. They emptied markets of laughter. They sought to replace trust with suspicion and hope with fear. Yet, even in these painful moments, the people of Plateau have refused to surrender their humanity.

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“Baba, give them your ears, your patience and the wisdom of a guardian. Those who have earned the right to be heard on this subject must continue to speak,” Shettima said.

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He described Plateau as strategically important to the country’s history and security architecture and paid tribute to Jang for decades of service.

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“Life is measured by the difference we make among our people. Office passes from one hand to another. Power is temporary, but what endures is the good we leave behind in human lives,” he stated.

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Shettima prayed for God’s continued grace upon the former governor and urged Nigerians to remain united in building a country where “peace, justice and security prevail over division and violence.”

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