By Yusuf Musa
Veteran journalist Kichime Goyang Gotau has thrown what may be described as a moral challenge to the people and tribes of Jos. His article, “To the Tribes of Jos: Do Not Reject the Angel By You,” is more than a defence of the Hausa community in Jos North; it is a passionate appeal for reflection, tolerance, gratitude and coexistence.
At a time when ethnic and religious identities are increasingly weaponized across Nigeria, Kichime reminds us of a simple but profound truth: communities flourish not because they are homogeneous, but because they learn to accommodate one another.
The strength of Jos has never been in the dominance of one tribe over another. Rather, it has been in its historical character as a meeting point of peoples, cultures, faiths and commerce. From the colonial mining era to the modern metropolis it has become, Jos has attracted Nigerians from every corner of the country. Among these groups, the Hausa community has played a significant role in shaping the city’s economic and social landscape.
For generations, Hausa traders, businessmen, artisans, transporters, butchers, farmers and civil servants have contributed immensely to the growth of Jos North. Markets, commercial centres, transportation networks and numerous small-scale enterprises owe part of their development to the industry and resilience of Hausa residents who made Jos their home.
Kichime’s recognition of prominent Hausa families that have invested in the development of Jos is therefore not merely an exercise in praise. It is a reminder that the history of Jos cannot be written honestly without acknowledging the contributions of all its peoples.
His argument goes beyond economics. He draws attention to values often overlooked in contemporary discourse: neighbourliness, generosity, simplicity, hospitality and communal solidarity. Whether one agrees entirely with his characterization of the Hausa people or not, his broader point remains valid. Every community possesses virtues that deserve recognition and respect. Lasting peace emerges when people choose to focus on those virtues rather than on stereotypes, prejudices or historical grievances.
The Hausa presence in Jos predates many of the contemporary political disputes that often dominate public discussions. Long before the emergence of modern identity politics, Hausa settlers were engaging in trade, providing services and building relationships across ethnic lines. They became part of the social fabric of the city. Their children were born in Jos. Their businesses were established in Jos. Their hopes and aspirations became tied to the future of Jos.
To question the place of such a community is to question part of the city’s own history.
This is not to dismiss the genuine concerns and fears that have emerged from past conflicts in Plateau State. The scars of violence are real and cannot be wished away. However, collective healing can never be achieved through exclusion. Sustainable peace requires dialogue, understanding, justice and a deliberate commitment to rebuilding trust.
That is precisely where Kichime’s challenge becomes important.
He asks the people of Jos to reconsider assumptions, revisit relationships and rediscover the values that once defined Plateau as a land of peace and hospitality. His call is essentially an appeal to humanity. It is a reminder that no community can thrive in isolation and that every society is strengthened when diversity is embraced rather than feared.
Nigeria itself is a living testament to this reality. Our greatest achievements have often emerged when citizens from different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds combined their talents and resources toward a common goal. Conversely, our greatest setbacks have often resulted from suspicion, division and intolerance.
The lesson for Jos—and indeed for Nigeria—is clear. We must resist the temptation to define people solely by tribe, religion or language. We must instead evaluate individuals and communities by their contributions, their character and their commitment to the common good.
Kichime Goyang Gotau’s article may provoke debate, and perhaps that is its greatest value. Democracies grow through difficult conversations. Communities mature when they are willing to confront uncomfortable truths. His invitation to an open debate on the acceptance of the Hausa people in Jos should therefore be viewed not as a provocation but as an opportunity for introspection.
The future of Jos cannot be built on exclusion. It must be built on mutual respect, shared prosperity and the recognition that every community has a stake in the city’s success.
Ultimately, the message of Kichime’s piece echoes a timeless principle: we are our brother’s keeper. Peace is sustained not by uniformity but by understanding. Progress is achieved not by division but by cooperation. And the true strength of any society lies not in the triumph of one group over another, but in the ability of all groups to live, work and prosper together.
If Jos is to remain the cherished Home of Peace and Tourism, then the challenge before its people is not whether they can tolerate one another, but whether they can embrace one another as partners in a shared destiny.
That, perhaps, is the essence of Kichime’s challenge to the tribes of Jos.
Musa writes from Centre for Contemporary Studies (CCS), Abuja-Nigeria
