Nigeria: Archbishop Kwashi of Jos appeals for support for his stricken community

(Vatican Radio) The Anglican Archbishop of Jos, the violence-stricken region in Nigeria that straddles the line between the mainly Muslim North and the largely Christian South, is appealing for support for local communities, and is trying to make sure "the voice of reason is heard".
On a visit to the UK, Reverand Benjamin Kwashi is bringing the plight of violence-torn Nigerian communities to the attention of the West, and speaking of his call to his people to come together and build the nation together. "That is the heart's desire of most of the people in Nigeria".
Poverty, inequality and injustice have triggered a broad sectarian conflict in Nigeria, that has left thousands dead and many more injured and homeless.
The government is reportedly seeking back-channel talks with the fundamentalist Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram which has perpetrated the attacks.
Boko Haram’s stated aim is to impose an extreme version of Sharia law on Nigeria, and many of the attacks have been against churches and Christian communities in Jos, Plateau State, on the dividing line between the mainly Muslim North and largely Christian South.
The most recent attack was at the beginning of August when gunmen opened fire on a worship service at an evangelical church killing at least 19 people.
Of course attacks by Boko Haram exploit a range of issues that much of the Nigerian populationhave been subjected to for years, such as corruption, mismanagement, inequality. land disputes and the lack of aid for victims or punishment for troublemakers.
Religious leaders on both sides have forcefully condemned the violence, and Christian and Muslim representatives are committed to supporting their communities and working for peace.
Vatican Radio's Linda Bordoni spoke to the Anglican Archbishop of Jos, Reverand Benjamin Kwashi who was in the UK, hosted by “Release International” the faith-based organisation that gives voice to persecuted Christians around the world.
Reverand Kwashi has first-hand experience of the Nigerian conflict. He has personally received death threats and his wife has been brutally attacked. He has repeatedly urged Nigerian Christians to restrain from retaliation and avoid playing into the hands of the terrorists whom he says are attempting to destabilise communities and create religious strife…
listen to the interview...

Rev. Kwashi speaks with gratitude and admiration of his brother and friend, the Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Ignatius Kaigama. "He is actually a wonderful man to work with in Jos. He is doing a great job. During the last Salaat holidays he was in the mosque breaking the fast with the Muslims. Had he been in the country - says Rev. Kwashi "I would have been with him". And he points out that with that kind of ministry in Jos, some things are beginning to take a good shape and a good perspective.

However, when you come in to Jos - he says - it is clear that there is something very wrong: the military prensence and the checkpoints are indicative.

The atmosphere in itself is not leaving the people to lead their lives. The fear is stopping the people from carrying out their trade. Nobody knows when the next attack will take place.

Regarding news of back-channel talks between the government and Boko Haram, Rev. Kwashi says the contacts are top secret and no news is leaking out. However he says "we encourage the talks even though they are back door. It is important to know exactly who the terrorists are and what they are asking for". Only then will negotiators be able to make a deal or propose a compromise.

He also encourages the Federal Government to be in touch with those who have suffered the effects of Boko Haram killings: "So many people's lives will never be the same again", and he says the governent must provide a forum for the victims, as well as some kind of compensation and the setting in motion of a healing process.

Rev. Kwashi also speaks of the social prolems deriving from Islamic fundamentalist violence which is leading people who have cohabitated for centuries to become suspicious of their neighbours. He says that his ministry is called to bear on this situation and to help rebuild a community built on trust. He says there has been a breakdown of trust, and all communities must start to work on this fundamental question.