Sequel to
the recent attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen that claimed the lives of
scores of people in some communities in Plateau State, the immediate past
Governor of the State and Senator representing Plateau North, Jonah Jang, has
called on Governor Simon Lalong to stop playing politics with the security
situation of the State, saying “there is no gain in proclaiming a peace that
only exists in dreamland while people are being killed, in
Jang made
the call through his Media Consultant, Clinton Garuba in Jos, urging
the State.
Governor to display an uncommon will to stand with the people of the State for
its fortification from external “aggression and attacks”.
He said,
“With a deep sense of grief and genuine indignation, the Senator Representing
Plateau North Senatorial Zone hereby condemns in the strongest possible terms
the barbaric killing of over 200 people in Gashish District, Razat, Ruku Nyarr,
and Gana-Ropp in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State by Fulani
herdsmen.
“These
continuous killings are fast becoming a coordinated attempt at genocide aimed
at annihilating our people and stealing our God-given heritage.
“As one who
is particular about the welfare and well-being of the people, the Senator’s
heart is with the families of all those who have been deliberately and
mercilessly separated from their loved ones for eternity.
According to
the former Governor, “At a time the Government of Plateau State is boasting of
creating an island of peace, it is a wonder where that island is located.
“Surely, our
towns and villages around the State where people are attacked and killed in
their sleep, on their farms, and on rural roads almost on daily basis are not
part of that island”, he lamented.
“It is quite
unfortunate that despite all the valuable lives we continue to lose, the
government on the Plateau as led by Governor Simon Lalong is still living in
denial”.
“How many
Plateau lives must be violently ended before the Governor realises that the
peace he claimed to have brought on the Plateau is imaginary? He asked.
On the role
of the Armed Forces, the Lawmaker observes that their mode of operation and
response to the attacks on the State is worrisome and capable of causing
massive apathy and loss of confidence on the part of citizens.
“They
continue to attract controversies and accusations of complicity as clearly
noted by notable statesmen like General T.Y Danjuma (Rtd).
“At this
juncture, Elder Danjuma’s call for self defence may become the only option
considering the situation in Barkin-Ladi where people were left at the mercy of
killer herdsmen who had the time and space to maim, kill, and destroy to their
satisfaction without any notable challenge by the military formation in the
State”, he stressed.
“To address
the threat herdsmen now pose to the very existence of Plateau State as it is
meant to be, the Senator is of the opinion that Governor Simon Lalong must display
an uncommon will to stand with Plateau people for the fortification of the
State from external aggression and attacks”.
“He must
also stop playing politics with the security situation of the State, as there
is no gain in proclaiming a peace that only exists in dreamland while people
are being killed on the Plateau.
“Accordingly,
Governor Simon Lalong should also consider reviving Operation Rainbow by
funding and equipping it for intelligence gathering and swift response to
inccessant attacks on the State.”
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