“This Is Not About Communal Disputes”: Jang Urges Self-Defense As Plateau Death Toll Surpasses 100

Former Plateau State Governor and ex-Senator Jonah Jang has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently convene a dialogue with community leaders to address the recent wave of killings in Plateau State, where over 100 lives were lost in a week, describing the attacks as orchestrated by a known group with a hidden agenda.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday, Jang condemned the violence, saying, “Let’s call a spade a spade. These senseless killings have caused pain and suffering for our great State and its people, and we must take immediate action to put an end to this violence.”

He urged an expanded meeting involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community representatives to help the President understand the crisis’s complexity.

He noted, “Such a meeting would provide a platform for stakeholders to share their insights and experiences, enabling the President to develop a more informed approach to tackling the problem.”

Jang criticized a presidential directive that labelled the violence a “communal issue,” arguing it stemmed from “inaccurate briefings.”

He clarified, “The attacks in Plateau State are not merely communal disputes; they are perpetrated by a known group with a specific agenda.”

He praised Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s efforts and Tinubu’s resolve but stressed the need for accurate framing to ensure effective responses.

Expressing solidarity with victims, Jang encouraged resilience, stating, “As peace-loving and welcoming citizens, we have endured enough. It is time for us to defend ourselves against these aggressors.”

He also reaffirmed his commitment to the people, adding, “As peace-loving and welcoming citizens, we have endured enough. It is time for us to defend ourselves against these aggressors.”