Plateau killings: Govs rally support, CAN donates to victims

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, led by its Chairman and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has expressed solidarity with Plateau State, following recent attacks in Bokkos and Bassa local government areas.

The delegation, which visited the state on Thursday, commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his swift response to the violence and called for collective efforts to restore peace and security in the region.

This comes as the Christian Association of Nigeria also stepped in to provide support to the victims of the attacks, distributing relief materials such as foodstuffs, toiletries, and building supplies.

The PUNCH reports that gunmen attacked several communities in Bokkos and Bassa local government areas and killed over 100 persons in the last week.

The attacks on the two local government areas also left many houses razed and several valuables destroyed.

In a statewide broadcast on Wednesday, the governor banned night grazing and restricted vehicle movement of cattle and motorcyclists in the state.

Speaking during the visit on Thursday, Abdulrazaq sympathised with the government and people of the state over the incidents and appealed for efforts to promote peace and end insecurity across the country.

He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and lauded the security agencies for their timely intervention in curbing further violence.

“On behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the people of our states, I bring sincere condolences on the unfortunate incidents that claimed the lives of many of our compatriots,” he said.

“We urge all leaders and influencers in Plateau, traditional, religious, political, and youth leaders to rally around His Excellency in uniting the people and restoring lasting peace.

“We must all speak with one voice against violence in any form. Let us embrace dialogue, fair negotiation, mutual respect, and empathy as tools for conflict resolution,” he added.

The governors commended Mutfwang for his leadership at the critical point, adding that the visit was a demonstration of solidarity with the government and people of Plateau State.

The governor expressed appreciation for the visit and solidarity demonstrated by the brother governors.

“On behalf of the government and people of Plateau State, I sincerely thank you for this kind gesture. Your presence here is a powerful reminder that we are not alone in this moment of grief. It gives us hope and strength,” he said.

Mutfwang described the recent attacks as “senseless and deeply regrettable,” as he reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring normalcy in the affected areas.

“Since assuming office, we have made significant strides in uniting our people across faiths and ethnicities.

“For over a year, Plateau State had stayed out of negative headlines. The resurgence of violence has been a painful setback, but we remain undeterred,” he said.

Mutfwang reaffirmed the resilience of the Plateau people and his administration’s resolve to rebuild and strengthen peace.

“Our people are strong and hopeful. This is an obstruction, but by God’s grace, we will rise above it.

“We are more determined than ever to move forward. Plateau remains the Home of Peace and Tourism,” he said.

Distributing relief materials to victims of recent attacks in Bokkos and Bassa councils, the CAN President, Bishop Daniel Okoh, condemned the attacks, describing them as “premeditated vicious acts of genocide against the Christian indigenous populace,” carried out by “heartless, wicked, and evil terrorists.”

The donation, comprising building materials, foodstuffs, and toiletries, was handed over to the victims at the CAN Secretariat in Jos, on Thursday.

Bishop Okoh expressed condolences to those affected and commended President Bola Tinubu and the governor for their efforts in addressing the crisis.

The cleric urged the government to take more decisive measures to end the attacks, stressing the need for security agencies to be proactive in apprehending and punishing perpetrators.

He cited Ecclesiastes 8:11, “When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of the people are filled with schemes to do wrong.”

The CAN President called on Christians and peace-loving Nigerians to stand in prayer with Plateau and other affected regions.