Jos Killings: Northern Group Seeks Arrests, Probe Of US National

The League of Northern Democrats (LND) has called on the security forces to painstakingly investigate, identify and respond appropriately to the perpetrators of the recent killings and violence in Anguwan Rukuba, Jos, Plateau State capital.

The group, in a statement condemning the recent killings and violence, also expressed serious concern over the presence and general activities of an American national, “believed to be a mercenary, Mr. Alex Berbir, in connection with the deadly incident.”

The LND National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ladan Salihu, said it is troubling that Berbir reportedly appeared at the scene almost immediately after the attack.

“We therefore call on authorities to clarify: when he entered Nigeria, how he arrived at the location so quickly and the purpose of his presence, including the contents of the bag he was seen carrying.

“More concerning are video clips of this same individual previously seen in Jos openly inciting religious tension by holding the Holy Qur’an an misrepresenting its teachings to provoke hostility against Muslims.

Such actions are dangerous and unacceptable in a fragile security environment.”

Ladan added that following the incident, Berbir also made unverified claims online about thenature of the casualties and issued remarks directed at the President, which risk further inflaming tensions.

LND warned that Nigeria’s sovereignty and peace must not be undermined by any individual – local or foreign.

“Incitement, misinformation and provocative conduct such as the ones seen done by Mr. Berbir must not be tolerated. For a foreigner to come and openly meddle in our internal affairs so brazenly tells the terrible state our country has fallen into.

LND urges security and immigration authorities to immediately investigate his activities and movements; establish any violations of Nigerian law: and Take appropriate legal action against him immediately.