Celebrity and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, widely recognised as Cubana Chief Priest, has decried the recent wave of killings in Jos, Plateau State, describing the attacks as barbaric and deeply troubling.
The nightlife entrepreneur took to Instagram to react to the incident, expressing grief over the loss of lives and revealing that disturbing visuals from the attacks have lingered in his mind.
He lamented the recurring nature of such violence, questioning the mindset behind the killings and calling for an urgent end to the bloodshed.
“I have been cold. In the past few days, the video of that woman and her child hasn’t left my mind. When will these killings stop? How do people find happiness in killing one another?” he said.
Beyond condemning the violence, Okechukwu criticised the conduct of local authorities, particularly during the visit of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to the affected community. He took issue with the governor’s use of a specialised security vehicle, suggesting it reflected a disconnect between leadership and the people.
According to him, true leadership requires courage and the willingness to stand with citizens during periods of crisis, rather than appearing shielded from the realities on the ground.
“The governor in Jos arrived in a bunker. Does that mean everyone should now move into bunkers because he is more afraid than the people? Leadership demands fearlessness and readiness to make sacrifices,” he stated, while extending sympathy to residents affected by the attacks.
Okechukwu also raised concerns about the timing of the violence, alleging that the incident may have been orchestrated to embarrass President Bola Tinubu, who recently marked his 74th birthday.
“This was clearly done to embarrass our president on his birthday,” he claimed, urging security agencies to become more proactive in preventing such occurrences.
He further called on authorities to intensify efforts to safeguard national leaders and address the country’s security challenges, stressing the need for capable individuals within the president’s team.
“Security agencies should brace up to their task; allowing this kind of embarrassment to your principal is embarrassing. I pray God gives President Tinubu the energy to select people capable of leading with him,” he added.
The reaction follows confirmation by Governor Mutfwang that at least 28 people were killed in what he described as a “senseless” attack by gunmen in the Angwan Rukuba community of Jos.
The governor assured residents that security agencies are working to apprehend and bring to justice those responsible.
The incident occurred amid subdued celebrations marking President Tinubu’s birthday, as the president opted for a low-key observance in light of ongoing national challenges, including insecurity in parts of the country.
