Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has received in audience, a delegation from the Muslim community led by the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) Plateau State Chapter on a condolence visit. He reiterated his commitment to safeguarding communities and fostering inclusivity, unity, and prosperity in the state.
Acknowledging his Christian faith, Governor Mutfwang emphasized that his religion does not promote hatred or marginalization of other faiths. He renewed his dedication to protecting all citizens and promoting development regardless of religious beliefs, location, or ethnicity.
Speaking during the condolence visit on Tuesday at the New Government House, Little Rayfield Jos, Governor Mutfwang highlighted the need for collaboration among religions and ethnicities for survival. He labeled the attacks as acts of terrorism, saying it is wrong for anyone to view them as herder-farmer clashes.
Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude to the Muslim community for their unflinching support since his election, and assured that he will run an open and inclusive government, aimed at development that benefits everyone.
He called on the Muslim community to join hands with the government in combating the heinous crimes that have claimed innocent lives across the state without regard to faith or ethnicity.
The Chairman of JNI, Plateau State Chapter, and Emir of Wase, HRH Alh. Muhammadu Sambo Haruna, expressed sadness over the attack that claimed several lives and valuable property destroyed. He conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the Muslim community and commiserated with the government and people of Plateau State. He called for collaborative efforts to end the menace.
Alh. Haruna expressed appreciation for Governor Mutfwang’s proactive measures and thanked him for appointing members of the Muslim community into his cabinet. Pledging continuous support, he assured that the Muslim community stands united with Governor Mutfwang in the fight against insecurity for the state’s overall development.
The Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has hosted the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and members of the Christian Community during a Christmas Homage and condolence visit over recent incidents in Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas.
Receiving the delegation at his residence in Rayfield, Governor Mutfwang underscored the importance of peace and unity in resolving the current security challenges within the state. He described the tragic events as acts of terrorism and urged the Church to lead efforts for a peaceful and united Plateau.
The Governor pledged to leverage the abundant natural and human resources of the State for the benefit of all citizens. He called on the Christian community to unite and support his administration’s endeavors, promising to restore the state’s lost glory and foster steady growth and development.
Governor Mutfwang briefed the delegation on the proactive measures taken following the reported killings, including engaging with the President and the subsequent deployment of high-ranking officials for immediate intervention. He expressed gratitude for the swift response, saying the President has also directed agencies like NEMA to address the humanitarian crisis in the state.
The Plateau Chapter of CAN, led by the Chairman, Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, pledged support for Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration. Lubo highlighted the significance of the Christian body’s creation by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and said the visit was to show solidarity with the governor and pray for his success.
Commending Governor Mutfwang’s efforts in addressing security challenges, Lubo advised him to seek divine guidance continually. He lamented the unfortunate Christmas Eve killings in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu LGAs but expressed optimism that Plateau would prosper despite the challenges the State is going through.
Convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, has argued that restructuring Nigeria is the only way to end killings in the country.
No fewer than115 persons were killed in the Christmas Eve attacks by gunmen on communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local government areas of Plateau State.
Reacting to the incident in an open letter to President Bola Tinubu on Sunday, Clark described the attacks as “senseless” and “barbaric”.
“I respectfully advise Your Excellency to take decisive action in order to bring the perpetrators of these heinous acts to justice,” Clark said.
“As suggested by others, it would be beneficial to set up a powerful commission of inquiry consisting of responsible patriotic and loyal citizens, including senior retired officers of the armed forces.
“This commission should conduct a thorough investigation into the killings of innocent citizens and the destruction of properties particularly in Plateau State.
“It is also important to uncover any involvement of the army in this tragic incident. The findings of the commission should be handled with precision, and the recommendations should be implemented without hesitation.
“There should be no sacred cows in dealing with the sponsors and perpetrators of these acts. It is crucial to take decisive actions and hold them accountable for their actions.”
The elder statesman added that restructuring the country would solve insecurity better.
“It is wrong for anyone to describe the situation in Plateau State as a battle or war between two communities or inter-communal war,” he said.Tinubu and Clark
“Rather, it is a one-sided attack on innocent indigenes of the Plateau communities, aimed at seizing their land. This has been happening for the past two decades, with armed Fulani herdsmen deliberately targeting and displacing the people.
“It is disheartening that the federal government has not taken decisive action to address this genocide in a country where the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is being ignored and violated, leaving Nigerian citizens to abandon their homes for the invaders to occupy their land and seek refuge in camps.”
Clark alleged that some politicians known to the government are also responsible for sponsoring dangerous herdsmen.
“This is one of the main reasons why many Nigerians are calling for the restructuring of the country, allowing people in different states to live freely and develop their regions or state without intimidation or oppression from any quarter,” he said.
“Currently, we are not practising a true Federal system where people can freely move and exercise their rights to freedom of speech and association. We need a federation where all citizens are equal and there is mutual respect for one another.
“In this Federation, each State or region should be able to develop at its own pace, utilizing the resources available within their boundaries without any hindrance as it was in the first republic which was confirmed in the 1963 Republican Constitution.
“Mr President, you have always been the principal advocate of restructuring, even before you became Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the governor of Lagos State,” he added.
1. I welcome you to 2024, our year of hope in the midst of conflict, our year of deliverance, restoration and progress.
2. While it is true that we ended the year 2023 on a sad note because of the many precious lives we lost including but not limited to over 400 between April and June, 2023 as well as the over 160 in the recent Christmas genocide.
3. From small eruptions of conflict sometime in 2001, no one could have imagined that our dear state would witness such unquantifiable bloodshed of innocent lives, some known and others unknown. It is quite grievous to 1 my heart that Plateau State has today become the cynosure of the whole nation and indeed the world for the wrong reasons.
4. These unprovoked and simultaneous attacks in different villages were clearly premeditated and coordinated. These series of attacks on our people are a clear case of criminality, insurgency and terrorism and must be seen and handled in that manner if we must succeed in halting this wanton destruction of lives and property. For the avoidance of doubt, it is a misrepresentation of facts to describe these needless and unprovoked attacks on our people as a Farmer-Herder clash as has always been the traditional narrative. Let us call a spade a spade, this is simple genocide!
5. Let me use this medium again to commiserate with my dear Plateau People on these monumental killings, especially the affected communities and the families of the deceased. My heart goes out to you and be assured that my family, the entire government and I deeply share in your grief. We will not rest on our oars but will tirelessly collaborate with the Federal Government to bring an end to these tragedies and bring succour to affected persons and communities.
6. As a mark of honour for the memory of the deceased, I wish to declare a week of mourning from January 1st, to January 8th, 2024. During this period of mourning, flags will fly at half-mast. I urge all citizens to use these days for intense prayers to seek the intervention of the Almighty God in defending our territories and against wicked men that have risen against us. I wish to plead with our Muslim clerics to dedicate Friday January 5th, 2024 and our Christian Clergy to use Sunday January 7th, 2024 as special prayer days for lasting peace to return to the Plateau. Monday 8th January, 2024 will be observed as our official state day of mourning.
7. It is gratifying that despite these onslaughts, our spirits are not broken. Our resolve to defend our land and prosper therein has remained unshakeable. I am therefore confident that 2024 will reveal our inner strength and resilience in the face of these tribulations.
8. Let me state emphatically, that I do not take for granted your unwavering support and confidence in my ability to lead you at this trying period of our evolution as a people. The year ended was a year of fulfilment and tribulations. I recall how you queued in the sun to give me your mandate to lead you. You did not only turn out in large numbers to vote but you ensured that your votes counted. I owe you a debt of gratitude and I am committed to repay this debt by providing purposeful leadership.
9. Despite the gloomy end of 2023, I am proud to state that we have recorded some tangible gains starting from May 29th, 2023 when we were sworn into office. In the midst of the mindless murders which began late April, we immediately swung into action to revamp the security apparatus which resulted in the relative peace we attained until the recent setbacks.
10. It is on record that we met a demoralised civil service with a backlog of unpaid salaries which we have today cleared and have started regular payments as and when due. I am also happy to state that I approved the payment of gratuity, death benefits and pension arrears from 1986 to 2009 and actual payment began on December 29th, 2023. It is my sincere hope that we shall continue the payment for those due from 2010 within the limits of our scarce resources.
11. Further to the above, we have approved and financed various training and improvement workshops and seminars for different categories of workers. This we hope to continue in 2024 as part of our strategy to raise a new crop of civil servants that can compete with their peers anywhere in the country and beyond.
12. Of course, we are not oblivious of the fact that we are living in very challenging economic times. Today, Plateau State is ranked among the poorest states in the Multidimensional Poverty Index as detailed by the National Bureau of Statistics. As a government, we shall continue to support the Federal Government in its efforts towards revamping the national economy. We have however started our roll out of palliatives from last December when we distributed over 15, 000 bags of rice and 10,000 bags of maize. From January, 2024 we hope to also distribute the 200 trucks of fertiliser we procured for our farmers at a reasonable discount.
13. While waiting for the Federal Government initiative on wage review, I have approved the payment of N10,000 per month to each worker in Plateau State from September,2023 to March, 2024 as fuel subsidy. Furthermore, we have procured mass transit gas powered buses which will soon be delivered to ameliorate the difficulties of transportation for the general populace.
14. I am proud to also state that we have begun revamping the Plateau Express Service and very soon our people will enjoy excellent services at economic rates. Our promise to revamp the railway rack from Bukuru to Jos is at an advanced stage. Already, train heads and wagons have been received by the Nigerian Railway Station in Jos. Presently, obstructions on the track are being cleared and hopefully services would commence before the end of January, 2024.
15. As a government, we have taken proactive steps to protect our communities and rehabilitate those who survived the gruesome attacks. You would recall I granted Television Interviews last Tuesday on December 26, 2023 on my intention to visit our dear President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in Lagos in the wake of the Christmas Eve attacks. We remain thankful to Mr President for his proactive response and prompt directive to security agencies to fish out the perpetrators, and to mobilise relief materials for surviving victims and those who sustained injuries in the hospital.
16. I am also very grateful to the Vice President, Kasshim Shettima, the Hon. Minister of State for Defence, the Hon. Minister for Humanitarian Service & Poverty Alleviation, the National Security Adviser, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police, who visited the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Bokkos on the directive of the President to commiserate with the government and people of Plateau State.
17. We are glad that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (PLASEMA) has supplied relief materials to the hapless victims. More of these will still be supplied to ameliorate the pains and sufferings of the victims who are exposed to hunger and lack of shelter. We have also visited the survivors of the attacks at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and have made provision for all medical bills.
18. Let me reaffirm that as we begin the New Year, my administration will continually collaborate with the Federal Government to halt these unprovoked attacks on our people. It is my heart cry that the many years of misery, despair and pains our people have had to go through ended in 2023.
19. We are counting on the support of the Federal Government, the National Assembly, development partners and the International Community to rally round us as we embark on the journey to rehabilitate our people. In furtherance of our efforts to deal with the security challenges from all angles, I have issued an Executive Order for the Protection of Mining communities against insecurity and exploitation pursuant to Section 5 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended). This Executive Order among other things seeks to ensure that mining community development agreements are properly vetted by the Government to protect them against exploitation. Furthermore, it seeks to ensure strict compliance with extant environmental laws as well as ensure appropriate revenues are paid to the state coffers.
20. We are determined to judiciously implement the 2024 budget tagged ‘The Budget of New beginnings’ to bring succour to our people. It is a budget aimed at laying a new foundation across different sectors to shape the future of our people and State.
21. We are not unaware of the current economic woes the country is going through and the attendant effects on the people. We shall adopt a multifaceted approach to deal with the issues squarely. Let me reiterate that the security of lives and property remains the topmost priority of this administration; and adequate attention shall be deployed in that direction.
22. I charge us not to allow our ethnic, political or religious differences to divide us. Our strength is in our Unity! There is no force, no matter how formidable, a united people cannot overcome. Let us remain united and strengthen inter community relations to overcome our adversaries. The Time Is Now to work together to bequeath enduring legacies to our people.
23. I am pleased to announce that following recommendations from the State Advisory Council on Prerogative OF Mercy, I have granted state pardon amnesty to one Danladi Musa who was sentenced to life imprisonment but has already served 17 years due to his good conduct, reformation and old age. Similarly, 3 others have had their various sentences converted to lesser terms. I shall continue to ensure that the interest of justice is duly served.
24. As I conclude this speech, let me again thank the Federal Government under the leadership of our dear President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Vice President and the entire National Security apparatus. I also wish to thank various Institutions/Associations, the International Community, our friends and well-wishers who have continued to come and call to commiserate with us. This broadcast will not give us the leverage to mention names of instuitions, bodies and individuals; but I would like you to know that we are immensely grateful.
25. Fellow citizens, God is with us and He will give us victory over our adversaries. ‘The Lord is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble’. Let me reassure you that I am confident and remain resolute that we shall overcome the challenges of insecurity that has bedevilled our state and Plateau shall remain the home of Peace and Tourism.
26. If Rwanda has become peaceful and a country of choice destination in Africa after many years of Internal wars and crises, Plateau shall be a choice destination not just in Nigeria or Africa, but in the world. We are blessed with clement weather; abundant natural and human resources and our people are hospitable.
27. Welcome to 2024, welcome to the year of new beginnings and welcome to a new dispensation.
28. I wish you a very happy and prosperous New Year.
1. I welcome you to 2024, our year of hope in the midst of conflict, our year of deliverance, restoration and progress.
2. While it is true that we ended the year 2023 on a sad note because of the many precious lives we lost including but not limited to over 400 between April and June, 2023 as well as the over 160 in the recent Christmas genocide.
3. From small eruptions of conflict sometime in 2001, no one could have imagined that our dear state would witness such unquantifiable bloodshed of innocent lives, some known and others unknown. It is quite grievous to 1 my heart that Plateau State has today become the cynosure of the whole nation and indeed the world for the wrong reasons.
4. These unprovoked and simultaneous attacks in different villages were clearly premeditated and coordinated. These series of attacks on our people are a clear case of criminality, insurgency and terrorism and must be seen and handled in that manner if we must succeed in halting this wanton destruction of lives and property. For the avoidance of doubt, it is a misrepresentation of facts to describe these needless and unprovoked attacks on our people as a Farmer-Herder clash as has always been the traditional narrative. Let us call a spade a spade, this is simple genocide!
5. Let me use this medium again to commiserate with my dear Plateau People on these monumental killings, especially the affected communities and the families of the deceased. My heart goes out to you and be assured that my family, the entire government and I deeply share in your grief. We will not rest on our oars but will tirelessly collaborate with the Federal Government to bring an end to these tragedies and bring succour to affected persons and communities.
6. As a mark of honour for the memory of the deceased, I wish to declare a week of mourning from January 1st, to January 8th, 2024. During this period of mourning, flags will fly at half-mast. I urge all citizens to use these days for intense prayers to seek the intervention of the Almighty God in defending our territories and against wicked men that have risen against us. I wish to plead with our Muslim clerics to dedicate Friday January 5th, 2024 and our Christian Clergy to use Sunday January 7th, 2024 as special prayer days for lasting peace to return to the Plateau. Monday 8th January, 2024 will be observed as our official state day of mourning.
7. It is gratifying that despite these onslaughts, our spirits are not broken. Our resolve to defend our land and prosper therein has remained unshakeable. I am therefore confident that 2024 will reveal our inner strength and resilience in the face of these tribulations.
8. Let me state emphatically, that I do not take for granted your unwavering support and confidence in my ability to lead you at this trying period of our evolution as a people. The year ended was a year of fulfilment and tribulations. I recall how you queued in the sun to give me your mandate to lead you. You did not only turn out in large numbers to vote but you ensured that your votes counted. I owe you a debt of gratitude and I am committed to repay this debt by providing purposeful leadership.
9. Despite the gloomy end of 2023, I am proud to state that we have recorded some tangible gains starting from May 29th, 2023 when we were sworn into office. In the midst of the mindless murders which began late April, we immediately swung into action to revamp the security apparatus which resulted in the relative peace we attained until the recent setbacks.
10. It is on record that we met a demoralised civil service with a backlog of unpaid salaries which we have today cleared and have started regular payments as and when due. I am also happy to state that I approved the payment of gratuity, death benefits and pension arrears from 1986 to 2009 and actual payment began on December 29th, 2023. It is my sincere hope that we shall continue the payment for those due from 2010 within the limits of our scarce resources.
11. Further to the above, we have approved and financed various training and improvement workshops and seminars for different categories of workers. This we hope to continue in 2024 as part of our strategy to raise a new crop of civil servants that can compete with their peers anywhere in the country and beyond.
12. Of course, we are not oblivious of the fact that we are living in very challenging economic times. Today, Plateau State is ranked among the poorest states in the Multidimensional Poverty Index as detailed by the National Bureau of Statistics. As a government, we shall continue to support the Federal Government in its efforts towards revamping the national economy. We have however started our roll out of palliatives from last December when we distributed over 15, 000 bags of rice and 10,000 bags of maize. From January, 2024 we hope to also distribute the 200 trucks of fertiliser we procured for our farmers at a reasonable discount.
13. While waiting for the Federal Government initiative on wage review, I have approved the payment of N10,000 per month to each worker in Plateau State from September,2023 to March, 2024 as fuel subsidy. Furthermore, we have procured mass transit gas powered buses which will soon be delivered to ameliorate the difficulties of transportation for the general populace.
14. I am proud to also state that we have begun revamping the Plateau Express Service and very soon our people will enjoy excellent services at economic rates. Our promise to revamp the railway rack from Bukuru to Jos is at an advanced stage. Already, train heads and wagons have been received by the Nigerian Railway Station in Jos. Presently, obstructions on the track are being cleared and hopefully services would commence before the end of January, 2024.
15. As a government, we have taken proactive steps to protect our communities and rehabilitate those who survived the gruesome attacks. You would recall I granted Television Interviews last Tuesday on December 26, 2023 on my intention to visit our dear President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in Lagos in the wake of the Christmas Eve attacks. We remain thankful to Mr President for his proactive response and prompt directive to security agencies to fish out the perpetrators, and to mobilise relief materials for surviving victims and those who sustained injuries in the hospital.
16. I am also very grateful to the Vice President, Kasshim Shettima, the Hon. Minister of State for Defence, the Hon. Minister for Humanitarian Service & Poverty Alleviation, the National Security Adviser, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police, who visited the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Bokkos on the directive of the President to commiserate with the government and people of Plateau State.
17. We are glad that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (PLASEMA) has supplied relief materials to the hapless victims. More of these will still be supplied to ameliorate the pains and sufferings of the victims who are exposed to hunger and lack of shelter. We have also visited the survivors of the attacks at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and have made provision for all medical bills.
18. Let me reaffirm that as we begin the New Year, my administration will continually collaborate with the Federal Government to halt these unprovoked attacks on our people. It is my heart cry that the many years of misery, despair and pains our people have had to go through ended in 2023.
19. We are counting on the support of the Federal Government, the National Assembly, development partners and the International Community to rally round us as we embark on the journey to rehabilitate our people. In furtherance of our efforts to deal with the security challenges from all angles, I have issued an Executive Order for the Protection of Mining communities against insecurity and exploitation pursuant to Section 5 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended). This Executive Order among other things seeks to ensure that mining community development agreements are properly vetted by the Government to protect them against exploitation. Furthermore, it seeks to ensure strict compliance with extant environmental laws as well as ensure appropriate revenues are paid to the state coffers.
20. We are determined to judiciously implement the 2024 budget tagged ‘The Budget of New beginnings’ to bring succour to our people. It is a budget aimed at laying a new foundation across different sectors to shape the future of our people and State.
21. We are not unaware of the current economic woes the country is going through and the attendant effects on the people. We shall adopt a multifaceted approach to deal with the issues squarely. Let me reiterate that the security of lives and property remains the topmost priority of this administration; and adequate attention shall be deployed in that direction.
22. I charge us not to allow our ethnic, political or religious differences to divide us. Our strength is in our Unity! There is no force, no matter how formidable, a united people cannot overcome. Let us remain united and strengthen inter community relations to overcome our adversaries. The Time Is Now to work together to bequeath enduring legacies to our people.
23. I am pleased to announce that following recommendations from the State Advisory Council on Prerogative OF Mercy, I have granted state pardon amnesty to one Danladi Musa who was sentenced to life imprisonment but has already served 17 years due to his good conduct, reformation and old age. Similarly, 3 others have had their various sentences converted to lesser terms. I shall continue to ensure that the interest of justice is duly served.
24. As I conclude this speech, let me again thank the Federal Government under the leadership of our dear President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Vice President and the entire National Security apparatus. I also wish to thank various Institutions/Associations, the International Community, our friends and well-wishers who have continued to come and call to commiserate with us. This broadcast will not give us the leverage to mention names of instuitions, bodies and individuals; but I would like you to know that we are immensely grateful.
25. Fellow citizens, God is with us and He will give us victory over our adversaries. ‘The Lord is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble’. Let me reassure you that I am confident and remain resolute that we shall overcome the challenges of insecurity that has bedevilled our state and Plateau shall remain the home of Peace and Tourism.
26. If Rwanda has become peaceful and a country of choice destination in Africa after many years of Internal wars and crises, Plateau shall be a choice destination not just in Nigeria or Africa, but in the world. We are blessed with clement weather; abundant natural and human resources and our people are hospitable.
27. Welcome to 2024, welcome to the year of new beginnings and welcome to a new dispensation.
28. I wish you a very happy and prosperous New Year.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has announced a week of mourning from January 1st to January 8th, 2024, in honour of those who lost their lives in the Christmas Eve genocide attacks across Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas.
In his 1st January 2024 Statewide broadcast, Governor Mutfwang directed that flags should be flown at half-mast and urged citizens to engage in intense prayers for divine intervention against those perpetrating violence in the state.
The Governor specifically appealed to Muslim and Christian leaders to dedicate Friday 5th and Sunday 7th January 2024 respectively for special prayers.
He described the attacks as premeditated and coordinated acts of criminality, insurgency, and terrorism, emphasizing the need to address them as such. Refuting the traditional narrative of Farmer-Herder clashes, he unequivocally labeled the incidents as genocide.
Governor Mutfwang acknowledged the resilience of Plateau citizens in the face of adversity and expressed confidence that 2024 would bring hope and opportunities in reflection of the inner strength of the people.
The Governor highlighted some of his administration’s achievements since assumption of office, to include efforts to revamp security, clear salary backlogs, and payments of gratuity, death benefits, and pension arrears.
He also announced a fuel subsidy of N10,000 per month for workers from September 2023 to March 2024, pending a federal wage review.
Governor Mutfwang provided updates on the progress of revamping the railway track from Bukuru to Jos, expressing optimism about its commencement by the end of January 2024.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the prompt response and relief efforts over the security challenges that confronted the state.
The Governor expressed hope Plateau State’s future, and said he looks forward for the state to become a global destination, drawing parallels with the transformation of Rwanda after years of internal conflicts.
Director Of Press To Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Gyang Bere.
Following the wagging tongues of some pessimist on the reasons behind Governor Caleb Mutfwang visit to Mr . President Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos amidst the genocide attack in the governor state , Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor Gyang Bere has clarified the motive behind the visit of Governor to the President Monday .
The Director of press explained that Governor Mutfwang was in Lagos to personally brief President Tinubu on the escalating security challenges in the state, seeking prompt intervention.
The Governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs explaination is contained in a press statement dated on the 29th December 2023 and made available to Journalists in Jos.
Gyang Bere addressed the misconceptions on social media about the Governor’s action, emphasizing that the visit was planned well ahead of the seasonal meeting by other governors to the president.
He further explained that prior to the Lagos visit, Governor Mutfwang had granted interview on Channels and Arise Television, declaring his intention of going to meet with President Tinubu to solicit support over the renewed security challenges in the state.
He had earlier visited Mangu Local Government Area, which had been ravaged by severe attacks.
Following this, he held a meeting with the General Officer Commanding 3rd Division and Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN, issuing a directive to secure affected communities.
Expressing dismay at criticisms on social media, Bere highlighted the Governor’s proactive response to the Christmas Eve attacks, personally engaging with affected communities and strategizing with security agencies. The decision to meet with Mr. President aimed at briefing him on the renewed violence for appropriate action.
Bere revealed that the Governor’s discussions with President Tinubu and other Governors yielded positive results. Consequently, Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Security Chiefs were dispatched to Plateau to assess the security situation.
Following the briefing, President Tinubu ordered security personnel to apprehend the perpetrators and mobilized relief resources for surviving victims.
Bere affirmed Governor Mutfwang administration’s commitment to prioritizing the security of lives and property in Plateau, emphasizing that his people are his foremost priority.
The Executive Governor of Plateau States, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has rallied citizens to stand firm, stay focused, and unwavering in the face of afflictions inflicted on communities in Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin-Ladi on Christmas Eve.
Governor Mutfwang, joined by his wife, Barr Helen Mutfwang, stated this during the Sunday Service at COCIN LCC Kufang, Miango Road, Jos, marking the 80th Birthday Thanksgiving Service of Elder Cornelius Datok.
Governor Mutfwang pointed out that despite the recent challenges, the state’s resilience remains unbroken and emphasized the need for faith in God’s continuous protection.
He thanked the citizens for their prayers and love for the state, urging collaborative efforts against current trials.
Encouraging a deeper connection with God, the Governor emphasized the need for citizens to live Christian lives,
Taking his reading from Colossians 3:6 and Romans 8:13. Rev. Dunka Philibus, advised Christians to abandon their old ways and embrace Christ at these challenging times especially at the dawn of a new year.
Elder Cornelius Datok, celebrating his 80th birthday, expressed gratitude for God’s mercy and pledged continued selfless service to God and humanity.
The Governor was also joined at the service by notable figures, including the Secretary to Government of the State, Arc. Samuel Jatau, and his wife, the Chief of Staff Government House, Commissioners, and Heads of Government Agencies.
Following the unwarranted Genocide attack on some communities of Barkin Ladi and Bokkos local government area of plateau state by militias which has left not fewer than over Two Hundred (200) persons fear dead, doubled number of persons displaced and properties worth millions of naira destroyed, the State House of Assembly has called on members , State and Federal Government to come to the aid of the affected victims by providing them with succors.
As they urged the government, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Federal Government to ensure that the attack is investigated and those behind the the callous, unwarranted and heinous attack of innocent communities are made to face the full wrath of law , as nobody has not been convicted and punished over the past attacks on innocent people in the state, is the reason the attacks continued unabated.
The state lawmakers make the demands in a press conference dated 28th December 2023 held in Jos, plateau state capital.
The text of the conference which was read by the Speaker of the House Rt.Hon.Gabriel Dawan said the house commend the immediate steps taken by Mutfwang and VP Senator Shettima along side the security advisers including all security heads who were in the state to get first hands information of the attack, in order to curtail it.
The state legislative described the attack on innocent citizens as unwarranted, unprovoked , callous, heinous and barbaric to say the least, appealled to the state government , and the Renew Hope of the federal government not to relent on their efforts towards ensuring that normalcy returned to the affected communities.
The state lawmakers further add that as the 10th State House of Assembly , we wish to passionately Appeal to the affected communities to sheath sword and allow hitherto relative peace the state have been enjoying to reign as we cannot afford go back to the dark days of crisis in the state.
They also appeal to the security agent in the state,particularly in the affected communities of Barkin Ladi and Bokkos local government area to stand firm and work proactively to discharge their mandate of maintaining peace and order without fear or favor, as well as ensuring that the bad elements and culprits that perpetuate those heinous acts are identified, apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.
They use the press conference to condoled with those that lost their love ones in that unfortunate attack on innocent , harmless citizens as the house of Assembly appeal to the survival victims and government at all levels are taken the necessary measure to curtail the Security Challenges bedeviling the communities in particular and the state at large.
Assured the citizens of the state that as representatives of the people of the state, in their various Constituencies across the state, we had feel their pains and identity their bereavement , and we can also try within our power to support the state government in their quest to maintain the peace in those affect Communities and the state as whole.
Called on the federal government to direct the necessary bodies saddled with the mandate of providing succors for community, affected with misfortune such as this to immediately provides succor to the affected victims and appealled to the president Ahmed Tinubu led Renew Hope administration to assist the Communities affected by the unwarranted crisis, and deploy more securities to those areas.
He said although the house was on recess before the unfortunate incident, but as the representative of the people , and considering the the situation at hands , we have to caught short our recess and return from our various constituencies to address these press conference why we made the necessary arrangement to pay visit to the affected communities to assertained the level of destruction.
However called on the citizens of the state and by extension Nigeria at large, to come together irrespective of political, religious and ethics difference as we work towards substance of peace in plateau state.
Called on the political religious leaders and security agencies in the state to work together for the interest of the state.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Rev. Yakubu Pam, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State for their prompt actions in addressing the recent incidents of violence in Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas.
During a condolence visit to Governor Mutfwang at the New Government House in Jos, Rev. Pam described the attacks that claimed innocent lives as unfortunate. He urged security agencies to proactively identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
Commending Governor Mutfwang for his proactive measures to prevent further escalation, Pam also acknowledged President Tinubu’s role in preventing the recurrence of such incidents. He advised residents to unite, abide by the law, and stay vigilant to protect their communities.
Governor Mutfwang, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Arc. Samuel Jatau, described the attacks as “heart-wrenching” and called on the Federal Government to establish State Police as a viable solution to the current security challenges. He emphasized that state policing would complement federal security efforts.
Governor Mutfwang commended the federal government’s initiatives for lasting peace in the state and urged security agencies to intensify their efforts in addressing insecurity.
He appreciated the collective voice of groups and individuals against the killings, noting that such unity strengthens the people.
By the banks of the Niger river, on the hills of the Plateau, across the lush savannahs of the Middle Belt, we have sat down and wept. We have questions crying for answers: Who are these killers? Where are they coming from? Who is sponsoring them? What are their grouses and against whom? What do they want? Whom do they want? Who are they working for? When will it all end? Why are they invincible and invisible? Who is offering them cover?
Those invisible men came to the Plateau again, bearing their gifts of death and destruction. They came from the deepest pit of hell, the habitat of the devils that they are. They are children of darkness, sons of Satan. They opted to extinguish and snatch the light of the joy of Christmas from thousands of people on the Plateau.
They imagined they would ignite an orgy of blood, seduce the ordinary peace-loving people of the Plateau and set them on a mission of mindless murder of fellow citizens in the name of retaliation. The world would then say that this is was a war of religion – Christians killing Muslims – to ignite a larger war. So far, over two hundred lives are gone and we are still counting, but what next, where next, and who next?
Over the years, these murderers have left their footprints of blood and tears across the length and breadth of the entire northern states, indiscriminately wrecking destruction across large swathes of land and communities.
In all this, the Nigerian state and its security agencies are blind-sided, seemingly incapable of cleaning up this augean stable of sorrow and pain in our land. These killers have turned the Nigerian state and its security agencies into objects of cynicism, mockery and mere lachrymal spectators daily accompanying funeral processions. Across the country, these funerals and the coffins are now part of our landscape.
We are gradually taking eerie solace in the fact that these killers do not respect the boundaries of religion, region or ethnicity. We seem to be consoled that they are destroying churches, as well as mosques, killing Christians, as well as Muslims. We seem to be lulled into a feeling of collective consolation and we all believe that we are all victims of an endless orgy of violence that has taken over our land. There is a method to this madness.
The choice of location, communities, timings, the seeming hooded identities of the killers, all mask a fact: We may not know who they are, but someone wants something from the Middle Belt. Stretch your imagination from the emergence of the modern Nigerian state and connect the dots.
Sadly, with time, Nigerians are gradually losing hope in the ability of their government to protect and secure them. While we religious leaders have continued to use our moral authority to encourage our people not to take the laws into their hands, we risk being swept away by the anger and frustration of our people. We even risk being seen as accomplices to an erring state.
The Nigerian state itself risks becoming an undertaker in the eyes of its citizens. Our cups of sorrow are overflowing. We have cried enough tears. We may pretend that we are not at war, but truly a war is being waged against the Nigerian state and its people. God forbid, but we could snap anytime, anywhere and for any reason.
We are tired of the confusing, inexcusable, monosyllabic excuses saying: this is an asymmetrical war, we are on top of the situation, you cannot kill an idea, it is not about religion or ethnicity, we will bring them to justice. We, citizens of Nigeria, feel collectively humiliated and betrayed by those who are collaborating with these murderers and a government that seems helpless. Can we continue to believe that there is no long-term plan to take over the reins of power of the Nigerian state?
By the banks of the Niger river, on the hills of the Plateau, across the lush savannahs of the Middle Belt, we have sat down and wept. We have questions crying for answers: Who are these killers? Where are they coming from? Who is sponsoring them?
What are their grouses and against whom? What do they want? Whom do they want? Who are they working for? When will it all end? Why are they invincible and invisible? Who is offering them cover? Are we condemned to live with this and hand this broken nation to our children? Should we all just become inoculated and sedated to make all this bearable? Who will supply the opium to dull our pain? Are we sleep walking to self-destruction?
Why has the North become the birthplace of so much bloodletting? Why are these killings seen as tools of negotiation with the Nigerian state by the protectors of the North? Why has our North become the incubator of all that is destructive? Boko Haram, banditry and shades of terrorism all live in our region.
Why is this so? These killers are not ordinary murderers. They are killers for a purpose. It is the task of the Intelligence community to tell us who they are, where they live and what their goals are. These killers are professionals and are they Nigerians or they just have Nigerian sponsors? Their sponsors are among us.
They must be in high places. They are now embedded in the architecture of the state. President Tinubu must know that the legitimacy of his government hangs on resolving this and giving us our country back.
We are tired of the confusing, inexcusable, monosyllabic excuses saying: this is an asymmetrical war, we are on top of the situation, you cannot kill an idea, it is not about religion or ethnicity, we will bring them to justice. We, citizens of Nigeria, feel collectively humiliated and betrayed by those who are collaborating with these murderers and a government that seems helpless.
Can we continue to believe that there is no long-term plan to take over the reins of power of the Nigerian state? These people want power. They want it on their own terms. They want their own kind of Nigeria, according to their ideology. These killings are just a preface. These killings are no longer acts by herders and farmers over grazing fields.
No, there is more and we as a nation will do well to face this threat before it is sunset. No evil lasts forever. The world defeated slavery, Apartheid, Nazism, racism, and other forms of extremism.
So far, I commend the government in its responses to these tragedies. Unlike before when no one bothered to visit the scenes, we are seeing very rapid responses from the top.
This is necessary but not sufficient as a strategy. Rebuilding these communities requires more than mere physical infrastructure. There is need for clearer, more imagined strategies for rebuilding community cohesion and resilience. Rebuilding hearts is more urgent than rebuilding houses. Merely awarding contracts for the building of houses is not as important as building markets, rebuilding roads, providing agricultural inputs for farmers and so on.
This culture of investigation as excuses must end. The media and we the people must continue to remind the government of its obligations to be accountable. If investigations are made public and rewards or punishment are carried out, then it builds confidence. It will enable people to become involved in their own security. Only by pursuing, apprehending and bringing these evil men to justice can we begin to speak of a genuine reconciliation among our people.
There are growing concerns as to the sophistication, professionalism and capacity of the security agencies. Years of military involvement has led to the mistaken notion that issues of security are military.
This guns and bullets approach has seen the growth of corruption, lack of cohesion, collaboration and co-ordination, alongside infighting within the security agencies. We civilians hear stories of orders from the top at the last minute, about credible intelligence provided but not used by those at the top. People are dying and no one’s job is threatened. There is an urgent need to re-set the national security architecture. Enough is enough.
This culture of investigation as excuses must end. The media and we the people must continue to remind the government of its obligations to be accountable. If investigations are made public and rewards or punishment are carried out, then it builds confidence. It will enable people to become involved in their own security.
Only by pursuing, apprehending and bringing these evil men to justice can we begin to speak of a genuine reconciliation among our people. Bringing criminals to justice is justice to the criminal and justice to the victim too. Fixing our economy is desirable, but it must hang on a rigid security scaffolding to protect citizens and nation. The youth are fleeing their own country. The elites are fleeing their own communities. The poor are becoming refugees outside their own communities. Mr President, give us back our communities. Give us back our country.
Finally, national security is a function of robust, deep intellectual analysis and mapping of the goals and even ambitions of country, its local, regional or global place in the world. It thrives on creating scenarios based on a proper understanding and reading of geo-politics and locating where a country wants to be. So far, we have thrived on ad hoc and arbitrary options.
On the Plateau and elsewhere, so much academic research has been done. All the President needs to do is to order a review of all the options and find the political will to get our nation back on track. The current crucifixion of the Middle Belt is merely a metaphor. However, for us as Christians, in the cross, there is salvation. May this new year begin the healing of our dear nation. Happy new year and God bless our dear country.
Member Representing Riyom, Barkin Ladi Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Honorable Fom Chollom Dalyop has called on the federal government to commence full investigation into the recent genocide attack on some communities in plateau state on Christmas Eve as expected, been greeted by national and global condemnation from all well-meaning and peace loving Nations and personalities.
The call by the honorable member engineer Fom Chollom is contained in a statement dated 29th December 2023 personally signed by him and made available to Journalists in Jos.
The member said is on record that these attacks left more than 200 people dead, thousands injured and presently nursing wounds from guns and machetes, properties worth billions of naira destroyed, and several others now in IDP camps in the state.
I in company of the sector 4 Army command troops visited some of the affected communities in Barkin-Ladi LGA(Hurum and Darwat in Gashish District, and NTV in Ropp District) on 25th December, revealed that these unprovoked and dastardly attacks were not only well coordinated, but also simultaneously executed. The fact that these attacks came when the innocent victims were celebrating joy, peace, and love associated with the Christmas season further confirms the wickedness of the hearts of the perpetrators.
These attacks lasted more than four hours, though the nearby security forces might have responded, and their efforts were probably, largely hindered by the difficult terrain of the area. This no doubt is a cause for concern.
Worthy of commendation, however, is the immediate response of the President and Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He sent a high-powered delegation, led by the Vice President, His Excellency, Kashim Shettima. He did not only condemn the wicked act of the perpetrators but also visited some of the affected areas to get first-hand information. He further directed that the killer’s and destroyers would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
We pray that this Presidential directive will yield fruit in no distant time, as it will not only bring succour to the affected persons and communities, but also serve as a deterrent to the perpetrators of this, and similar genocidal attacks. The security forces should therefore take advantage of this presidential directive and ensure that the needful is achieved. No doubt, the area needs air support/surveillance to assist the troops to effectively provide protection and understand the mode of operation of the bandits.
In addition, the federal government should consider a full-scale investigation of these unprovoked and dastardly attacks in Plateau and other states, with a view to curtail these unnecessary pains inflicted on innocent and law abiding Nigerians.
The Federal government should, in addition, consider immediate despatch of relief materials to the survivors, most of whom are presently in IDP camps. Furthermore, compensations for properties lost and their early return back home should also be a matter of urgent accomplishment.
Finally, the victims who have lost their beloved ones and property, as well as those injured and receiving treatment, are hereby requested to continue to remain calm and law abiding, and put their trust in God Almighty. We in the legislature and representatives of the people assure you all of our commitment to continue to make laws that will promote peace and peaceful coexistence.
A Philanthropist and business mongul Chief Kefas Rotgak aka kefiano has Challenged the people of plateau state to unite to fight the dry headed muster of insecurity that has claimed the live of the citizens of the state for sometimes now.
As the CEO Kafiano motor admonished the politicians and the elites in the state to be concerned with the welfare of the less privilege within their communities and by extension the state as a whole.
Kefas give the advice during the distribution of not fewer than 2,000 Bags of rice and other Palliatives to the less privilege which includes widows, orphan , persons with disabilities orphans and the aged held at the Mess Palace Hotel in jos , plateau State Capital.
The business mongul who marked his birthday celebration and Fifteen years as Philanthropist in the state call on the elites and the privileged in the society to prioritize the welfare of the less privilege in their communities , by extension the State at large.
Narrating his sojourn as philanthropist so far, chief Kefas said “I thank God for the enablement to do this despite the challenges through the years, it is not easy to do what we’re doing consistently but here we are by the grace of God.
“Adopting children that are not related to you directly by blood comes with its down sides because they have their uniqueness.
“We are appreciative of the fact that despite all these, they’re doing well, including academically.”
He called on those that have the capacity to the same , to take the challenge of adopting children in order to guarantee a better future for society, pointing that failure to do so can attract consequences.
He further revealed that he has just bought new residential apartment in the state that will be housing his adopted children who were hitherto, living rented apartment and bus for ease of transportation.
Over four hundred bags of rice and many more items were given to women who are largely widows to celebrate the festive season.
The distribution of rice and other gift items which began on Tuesday with people From Pankshin, Kanke and Shandam local Government areas of the State Climax with the Birthday of Chief Kefas Ropshik on Thursday at the Mees Palace event Center Jos, where over 600 widows and Orphans went home with bags of Rice and other Gift.
Speaking on the current insecurity facing the state called on the citizens to team up and unit fight the common enemy because the security have failed in protecting their lives and territorial integrity, as he called on politicians to stop playing politics with the recent happenings killings in the state,rather join hands and unite to fight against the enemy of the state.
According to him, “it is a very sad moment and quite unfortunate that this is happening to Plateau State. But, of course, we will always call on government to do the needful especially, we the Plateau people. It is getting to a time that we cannot fold our arms and wait for government.
“We must think outside the box on how our people can be protected, and this goes directly to the state government. We must build our internal security to protect us. Katsina State, today, trained people and armed them with AK 47. I think it is getting to the stage that Plateau people need to do that. We need to do that!
“They are killing our people like animals and we cannot fold our arms and be waiting for security because, the security have failed us. We cannot imagine these people coming to kill people the first day, come back the second day and the third day. It means they are within the vicinity”, he enthused.
“We must learn to unite and speak one voice and not for political gains. I seriously frowned at it and that is the truth. We are tired of waiting for government. I am a victim of this carnage because I have adopted 20 children whose parents were slaughtered in their presence. How long are we going to continue in that?
He said if the government in power today is APC, PDP or Labour Party, it’s high time everybody came to support the government. Government too should learn how to involve every stakeholder regardless of political party so that, they will contribute to the security and success of Plateau State.
And also speaking with one of the widow Jummai Jonathan who benefited from the items given by chief Kefas said her joy know no bound as the items she received will go along way to feed and take care of her family she also said just recently her son benefited from the scholarship given by Chief Kefas to study at the university, “she send her profound appreciation to God almighty and chief Kefas for the wonderful thing that he has been doing by impacting on lives of the less privilege in the society and pray for God to continue to bless him.
Speaking with one of the widow Jummai Jonathan who benefited from the items given by chief Kefas said her joy know no bound as the items she received will go along way to feed and take care of her family she also said just recently her son benefited from the scholarship given by Chief Kefas to study at the university she send her profound appreciation to God almighty and chief Kefas for the wonderful thing that he has been doing by impacting on lives of the less privilege and pray for God to continue to bless him.
Plateau State Governor, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, commends Inspector General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun and security agencies for their relentless efforts in addressing the security challenges that have befallen the State.
Governor Mutfwang, who called for more efforts, also solicit for improved intelligence gathering and sharing to facilitate prompt intervention, emphasizing the need to change the narrative of policing in Nigeria.
Governor Mutfwang expressed trust in the police and urged them to protect citizens while creating a conducive atmosphere for lawful duties. He cautioned against overzealous security personnel turning victims into suspects and emphasized the importance of unmasking sponsors of criminal activities in the state.
“Not about ethnic profiling, let’s demonstrate that this monster can be tamed,” Governor Mutfwang stated, urging thorough investigations into both perpetrators and their sponsors to address the root causes of the problems.
Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, announced a Special Operation to counter the resurging violence, with AIG Zone 4, Haladu Musa, temporarily relocating to Plateau State for effective coordination.
“President Bola Tinubu has ordered the perpetrators be brought to justice,” said IGP Egbetokun, urging collaboration between police and the military. He called on Plateau citizens to support the fight against criminal elements, emphasizing unity against lawlessness.
Governor Mutfwang also received PDP Stakeholders from Plateau South Senatorial District, led by AVM Napolean Bali, expressing condolences to the affected families. Bali assured communities of Plateau South’s support for a peaceful and united Plateau.
Civil Society Organization(CSO’s),in plateau State has raised alarm over the incessant genocide and ethnic cleansing in plateau state on the recent attacks in some communities in plateau State.
The CSO’S under the auspices of Civil Society Organization Forum raised the alarm in a Press conference held at the Nigerian Union of Journalists Secretariat (Nuj) plateau Council on 29th December 2023 signed by it President Rev. Chris Damcher, vice president O. J Afwanks(Mrs) and it secretary Mrs Anna Kisaba.
The statement which read in part said as you all know, the Yuletide season is one of the significantly celebrated festivals in Plateau State, Nationally and Globally. Unfortunately, the people of the state woke up to the sad news of another spate of unprovoked, and unprecedented attack on innocent community dwellers in Bokkos, Mangu and Barkin Ladi LGAs on Christmas Eve and Christmas day (24 and 25′ of December 2023). The attack left hundreds dead, several injured with properties destroyed. The act is not only barbaric and devastating but also scary.
THIS IS VERY SAD, UNFORTUNATE AND UNACCEPTABLE by any standard. It is an act of cowardice and outright wickedness to surround and kill innocent and harmless people in their sleep without any provocation.
The Plateau Civil Society Organizations Forum hereby extend our sincere condolences to the government, families and traditional heads of affected communities over the unfortunate and irreparable loss and pray that the souls of the departed rest in peace. The killings in Plateau started since 7 September 2001, it has since grown into a massacre, and a barbaric act of violence cowardly engineered which counter every known attitude of a normal human being, who believes in the sanctity of human life.
As it is common with most of the attacks meted on communities, there is most often early warning security alerts circulated on the social media.
We are fully convinced that such information usually gets to the security agencies and relevant authorities but we are so worried and saddened that each time such planned attacks by same so called FULANI MILITIA are circulated, their plans are usually executed to a high percentage unabated.
What is really disturbing at this juncture is that:
There is hardly or never a proactive measure(s) by the security operatives to counter the early warnings circulated nor intercept the attackers in the act. The early warnings are often not mere social media assertions as most often taken, so dismissed by those who have the mandate to respond to such information.
It is no longer news that the attackers are not only after the lives of the community dwellers but truly their ancestral and God given lands to occupy.
From our observation and what is glaringly taking place on the Plateau is the sprouting of strange new Fulani settlements and herders at the footage of the hills all around the Northern and parts of the Central Zones of Plateau State. Meanwhile, the original owners of the lands have been displaced to the Internally Displaced Person Camps (IDPs) and other host communities where they are out of touch with economic realities.
The lands are being taken over and there is no government and traditional institutions fighting or promoting the returning of the IDPs to their ancestral land, while the grabbers are moving around freely and molesting citizens.
From on the spot assessment as at now, our records are that thirty (30) communities were attacked, two hundred and ninety five (295) dead, ninety eight (98) injured and hospitalised, one thousand three hundred houses burnt(1,300), two hundred and
The president flanked by the other officials of the forum said twenty seven (227) motorcycles burnt, unquantified looting of food stuff and other items and thousands of persons displaced.
The feedback from survivors of the attack said that their attackers are Fulani speaking,
looking and dressed and so therefore they are not unknown gunmen, nor herders-
farmers’ clash, assailants or armed bandits as being reported by some.
The Fulani herders that we know and have been in Plateau State for several years do
not have the capacity to confront their host communities whom they have co habited
with for decades.
It is therefore, obvious that there are sponsors of these acts of criminality and
inhumane action on the peace loving people of Plateau State.
These incessant attacks have huge impacts on the formal education of the children,
creates an increase on number of vulnerable children, loss of breadwinners giving rise
to child headed households, healthcare is compromised, food security is greatly
threatened, loss of source of livelihood (mostly farming and mining), lowered quality
of life and loss of housing amongst other issues.
This action is highly condemnable and calls for accelerated actions to end these circles
of attacks on innocent, unsuspecting and peace-loving citizens.
We therefore recommend that the government, at federal, State and Local levels
should avoid selective response to alarms and tip-offs of a possible attack, they should
give a rapid response to distress calls and there should be a reconstitution of the
security body saddled with the responsibility of responding to these attacks. We
suggest the security should be a combined squad of the Military, Mobile Police, and
Civil defence.
The Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders and Stakeholders of all communities should
have community police to compliment the conventional security forces, report and
investigate presence of strangers, the raising of structures, bringing to relevant
authorities all criminals within the community. All community stakeholders should
sensitise and create awareness on early warning response to issues of Insecurity.
All necessary measures should be put in place for citizenry to get back to ancestral
land and not remain in IDP camps or migrate to neighbouring communities.
Government should be more proactive in response to sending immediate relief to
affected communities.
Finally, we call on the state government and legislators at the state and national level
to revisit the establishment of the North Central Development Commission that would
facilitate the rehabilitation, reconstruction and resettlement of IDPs to their ancestral
lands.
Lastly, we want to caution on the sharing/spreading of unconfirmed stories and or
videos, images in conflict situations as this undermines the gravity of the situation.
In conclusion, we ask that the State Government, the newly constituted Plateau Elders
Forum, all critical stakeholders should please come together more often to work out
ways of ending this heinous crime against humanity.
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