Anguwan Rukuba Concern Group has distanced the community from a recent protest, urging residents to pursue peace and lawful dialogue.
JOS, PLATEAU STATE — A community group in Anguwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, has distanced itself from the recent protest that disrupted traffic in the area, insisting that the demonstration did not represent the views of the community.
The Anguwan Rukuba Concern Group made its position known during a peace meeting held on Wednesday at the University of Jos Guest House, Dogon Dutse, where members reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence and urged residents to reject actions capable of creating tension.
The development comes days after supporters of an aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC) staged a protest at Anguwan Rukuba Junction, demanding what they described as the restoration of their mandate following the party's candidate selection process.
Addressing the gathering, former Secretary of the Jos North Local Government Transition Implementation Committee (TIC), Hon. Solomon Danshutu Sanda, said the community would not support any activity capable of disrupting public peace or intimidating residents.
According to him, Anguwan Rukuba serves as a major route connecting different parts of Jos North, and protests capable of obstructing movement expose commuters, schoolchildren, women and other residents to unnecessary fear and insecurity.
He urged individuals with political grievances to seek redress through lawful institutions rather than demonstrations that could threaten public order.
> "Anyone with concerns against government or political processes should channel them through the appropriate legal and government institutions instead of actions capable of creating fear or unrest," he said.
Community elders who attended the meeting also endorsed the group's position, declaring that the earlier protest did not reflect the wishes of the people of Anguwan Rukuba.
They further condemned attempts by some individuals to drag neighbouring Muslim communities into the controversy, warning that such narratives could damage longstanding relationships among residents.
The elders appealed to political actors and community members to avoid inflammatory statements capable of deepening divisions in an area known for its diverse population.
Hon. Sanda called on residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing information capable of preventing violence and maintaining peace within the community.
He also appealed to security authorities to remain proactive in identifying potential threats before they escalate into broader security challenges.
Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Sati Zubairu stressed that both youths and elders have a shared responsibility to protect the image of Anguwan Rukuba and prevent politics from becoming a source of conflict.
He noted that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, urging residents to reject attempts to use political disagreements to divide the community.
The statement follows a protest held earlier this week by supporters of an APC aspirant who alleged irregularities in the party's candidate selection process for the Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency and Jos North North State House of Assembly seats.
The protest briefly disrupted traffic around Anguwan Rukuba Junction before security personnel restored normalcy.
As of the time of filing this report, the APC had not issued an official response to the protesters' demands.
With political activities gathering momentum ahead of future elections, community leaders in Plateau State continue to emphasise dialogue and lawful engagement as essential tools for resolving disputes.
Their appeal reflects broader concerns about preventing political disagreements from escalating into tensions that could undermine the fragile peace enjoyed by many communities in Jos and its environs.
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