The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Plateau State Chapter, has accused the Governor Caleb Mutfwang-led state government of excluding Muslims among the beneficiaries of the N500 million in support donated by the wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The first lady delivered a N500 million check to Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Tuesday during her visit to express her condolences to the people of the state following the recent killings and attacks.
Each victim would be given N1 million to help them recover from the attacks.
In a statement signed by its secretary in the state, Salim Musa Umar, JNI said it was startled to find a list of beneficiaries that did not include the names of Muslims affected by the crisis in the designated LGAs.
He said, “This is truly disheartening and gives room for many speculative theories flying around that your government is not carrying everyone along.
“We believe there must be a mix-up or miscommunication somewhere, hence our resolve to write to you hoping to receive clarification and possible amends where necessary,” he added.
Reacting to the allegation, the state commissioner for information, Musa Ashoms, denied the allegation, stating that the selection of the beneficiaries was not based on religion or ethnicity.
The commissioner said, “We are looking at people that were affected by insurgency and terrorist attacks in Plateau. We didn’t pick them based on religion. This is a matter for intervention by the first lady.
“So, as a government, it is not an issue of religion. Many people were affected. It was not only 500 people who were affected. We didn’t profile people based on religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation. It is not every issue that people politicise or bring religious coloration to it.”
Hundreds of Muslims and Christians, including women and children, have been slain in attacks in Plateau State’s Mangu, Bokkos, Barikin Ladi, Jos South, Riyom, and Bassa LGAs.
