Jos Does Not Belong to Any Single Ethnic Group, But to God – Sheikh Jingir

Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has joined the growing debate over indigeneity in Jos North Local Government Area, insisting that Jos belongs to no single ethnic group but to God.

The cleric made the remarks in a four-minute video that has circulated widely on social media following the recent Plateau State High Court judgment recognizing a Hausa woman born and raised in Jos North as an indigene of the area.

His intervention comes amid intense public discussions sparked by the court ruling, which has drawn reactions from traditional groups, youth organizations, political leaders, and the Plateau State Government.

Responding to comments previously made by former Plateau State Governor, Senator Jonah David Jang, who opposed granting indigene certificates to Hausa/Fulani residents solely on the basis of residence, Sheikh Jingir maintained that the issue should be approached from the standpoint of justice, coexistence, and respect for the law.

“No matter how long the night may be, morning will surely come. I have always believed that one day the truth will come out.”

The cleric argued that the courts have repeatedly addressed questions surrounding the status of Hausa and Fulani communities in Jos and questioned why some people still refer to them as settlers despite legal pronouncements.

“The courts have already spoken on this issue. If the courts have declared them indigenes, why are some people still calling them settlers?”

Sheikh Jingir further disclosed that during a recent meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, discussions touched on the historical presence of Hausa and Fulani communities in Jos. According to him, the President acknowledged that members of the communities had lived in the city for generations and should be allowed to coexist peacefully with other groups.

The comments come at a time when native youth groups from the Afizere, Anaguta, and Berom communities have publicly rejected the recent court judgment and called for an appeal.

In a statement issued under the leadership of the Plateau Youth Council, Jos North Chapter, Afizere Youth Movement, Anaguta Youth Development and Cultural Association, and Berom Youth Movement, the groups argued that citizenship and indigeneity are separate constitutional concepts.

According to the youth groups, while every Nigerian enjoys the right to reside and work anywhere in the country, indigeneity remains tied to ancestral community membership.

“Birth in Jos North makes you a citizen and resident of Jos North. It does not, by itself, make you an indigene of Afizere, Anaguta, or Berom unless your paternal ancestry is from here.”

The groups also urged Jos North Local Government Council and the Plateau State Attorney General to challenge the judgment at the appellate court, warning that the ruling could have implications for federal character principles, traditional institutions, and indigenous rights across Nigeria.

Similarly, the Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN) has expressed concerns over the judgment, arguing that indigeneity is historically connected to ancestral identity and should not be redefined through judicial interpretation.

Amid the growing controversy, the Plateau State Government has appealed for calm and restraint. In a statement signed by Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the government emphasized that any party dissatisfied with the judgment has the constitutional right to seek redress through the courts.

The government further noted that issues surrounding indigeneity, citizenship, and residency rights are complex national questions that extend beyond Jos North and have featured in constitutional debates and policy discussions across the country.

Despite the differing opinions, Sheikh Jingir urged residents to reject divisive narratives and embrace peaceful coexistence.

“What we need is peace, understanding and mutual respect among all the people living in Jos.”

He concluded by stressing that no ethnic group can claim exclusive ownership of Jos and called on all residents to work together for the peace and progress of Plateau State.

“Jos does not belong to any single ethnic group. Jos belongs to God. We should all live together in peace and harmony.”