Netizens laud Israeli envoy for discussing Plateau killing at UN

Netizens, on Sunday, lauded the Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, for raising discussions about killings in Jos, Plateau State.

Gilad, while speaking at the United Nations Security Council Meeting on January 12, attempted to urge the UN not to only focus on the Israel-Hamas war, wondering why killings in other countries were not given priority.

In a video showing him speaking at the UN meeting, which he shared on X via @giladerdan1 on Saturday, Gilad said, “On Christmas (eve), 200 Nigerian Christians were murdered (in Plateau)” and “over the past decade, 50,000 Christians in Nigeria” have been killed. “Is this even a concern of the council?” He queried, saying, “Again, no Jews, No News.”

His tweet that accompanied the video further read, “No Jews, no news! What a disgrace. The Security Council convened for the 21st time in order to aid Gaza and pressure Israel. Meanwhile, Pakistan is expelling more than a million Afghans, and over the past decade, 50,000 Christians have been (killed) in Nigeria. But the council hasn’t met once to focus on and address these crises. Why? Because if Israel can’t be bashed, the UN couldn’t care less! Disgraceful!”

The PUNCH reports that the Israel-Hamas war reached a grim milestone of 100 days on Sunday with more civilian deaths as relatives of dozens of hostages still await their freedom.

However, reacting to the envoy’s tweet, @pwajok_jane, who has been posting about the Plateau killing that happened on Christmas Eve, said it was good to know someone was bringing up Nigeria’s case at the UN.

“Finally, someone has brought up Nigeria in the Security Council!” the user wrote, alleging that the UN had continually downplayed issues of such nature pertaining to Nigeria.

“We’ve taken it upon ourselves to tell the world what is happening to us and provide lasting solutions for our people. We won’t stop till our people have their ancestral homes and peace is restored to the Middle Belt. Thank you Ambassador Gilad Erdan!,” the tweep added.

@royalc_n said, “Nigeria’s matter is being raised by an Israeli. Shame on Nigeria’s top diplomat and same to Amina Jane Mohammed.”

Nigeria’s Amina is serving as the fifth Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.

On his part, @Ogochuk07699756 wrote, “I love this, justice must be served and your ancestral lands will not be taken away.”

“No Jews No news, Quite unfortunate,” says, @AlakuAsheNaomi as @obinkwo2 said, “Since the West can’t talk against insecurity in Nigeria.”

@Patedex wrote “That’s very good,” just as @Aggie1330 said, “This is progress, we will not be silenced, enough is enough, end the genocide.”

Meanwhile, some users said the ambassador’s comments were not enough to overlook Israel’s role in its war against Hamas.

@genxys said, “They’re justifying” their acts using Nigeria as a context, adding, “No foreign nation cares about Nigeria.”

“This same person forgot to report the daily massacre in his own country. Check the hypocrisy Bro,” @YushAsil said.

The PUNCH reports that gunmen on December 24, 2023, attacked 25 communities in three local government areas of Plateau State, killing over 150 people and razing about 221 houses.

The attacks, which affected Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu LGAs, led to the displacement of over 10,000 residents of the attacked communities.

The attack was described by North Central governors as similar to the Rwanda genocide and the Federal had since promised to bring the perpetrators to justice.