By Marie-Therese Nanlong

Jos – Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has called for unity of the Church to overcome the diverse challenges facing the Christendom as he stressed insecurity in the State is intentionally perpetrated to keep the State in poverty.

Governor Mutfwang spoke on Tuesday during the 107th General Church Council, GCC of the Church of Christ in Nations, COCIN held at the Church headquarters in Jos.

The governor also used the event to urge the Church not to relent in its role of upholding the government in prayers saying strength is needed to stand firm in the face of the challenges.

He stated, “The recent incidents in Bokkos and Bassa really shook me. The tears I shed were not just tears of emotion, but deep frustration. We are fighting a battle that has taken down many of our leaders in the past.

“Some of our problems come from our refusal to compromise with evil. When our children stand to defend the truth, they want to throw them in jail. Even now, the persecution hasn’t stopped. Insecurity is designed to keep us in poverty.

“You can’t farm in peace. When people till the land, they’re attacked. Even when they manage to plant, the crops are destroyed. If they harvest, the harvest is burnt. What are they saying? That we must remain poor forever so that we continue living hand-to-mouth?

“That is why we’ve made it our mission to tackle insecurity head-on, with God on our side. Every day, we’re doing the needful. And the results are beginning to show. No one can deny it anymore. Every community must take responsibility. For our part, we are recruiting forest guards. By the end of this week, we’ll add another 200 rangers to the 100 we already have in place.”

He assured the Church of the government support so the Church can farm adding, “We are also addressing the economy, especially agriculture. We are making arrangements to subsidize fertilizer and have already procured seeds which we’ll distribute to farmers. We are now working to introduce new, high-quality seeds.

“We are ready to partner with any church that wants to help its members build an economy that doesn’t rely on sin or political patronage. Pastors, especially from the mining regions, we need you to help educate our people. Mining has done more harm than good in our communities.”

However, the COCIN President, Rev. Amos Mohzo commended the Governor’s efforts at addressing insecurity and among other things stated, “COCIN remains committed to supporting the Plateau State Government in confronting these existential threats that aim to annihilate our people and seize their ancestral heritage…”