Vice President Kashim Shettima has said criminals should never be identified by their ethnic or religious backgrounds, stressing that those responsible for violence do not represent any community, faith or culture.
Shettima made the remark on Saturday during the 80th birthday celebration and public presentation of the autobiography of former Plateau State Governor, Senator Jonah Jang, in Jos.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice President warned against ethnic profiling and the collective blame of communities for the actions of criminal elements. He said such an approach only deepens divisions and gives those behind the violence an advantage.
He urged the younger generation in Plateau State to reject inherited hatred and embrace peace, reconciliation and unity. According to him, many young people have become burdened by conflicts they neither created nor experienced firsthand.
Shettima also called on elders and community leaders to mentor the youth by teaching them the value of forgiveness, describing it as a greater virtue than revenge. He quoted Mahatma Gandhi’s famous saying that forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
Reflecting on the impact of years of violence in Plateau, the Vice President said insecurity had devastated communities, disrupted livelihoods and weakened trust among residents. Despite the challenges, he commended the people of the state for remaining resilient and refusing to give in to hatred.
He further appealed to Senator Jang and other respected leaders to continue guiding younger generations with wisdom and experience, saying their voices remain crucial in promoting lasting peace.
Paying tribute to the former governor, Shettima praised his years of public service and reminded Nigerians that leadership should be measured by the positive impact made on people’s lives rather than the positions held.
He concluded by praying for Jang’s continued good health and urged Nigerians to remain united in building a nation where peace, justice and security take precedence over division and violence.
