by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Governor, Barr Caleb Mutfwang, has strongly condemned the recent coordinated attacks on innocent communities in Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin-Ladi local government areas of the state, saying, “These attacks have resulted in the tragic loss of several lives and destruction of property.”
The governor emphasized the resilience of the Plateau people in the face of the unprovoked assaults and called for united efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for these heinous acts, which claimed 113 lives as on Christmas Eve.
In a Press statement, signed and issued to newsmen in Jos, on Tuesday, Governor Mutfwang reported that more than 20 villages had been displaced, with numerous houses destroyed and millions of naira worth of property lost. Scores of individuals also sustained gunshot injuries during the attacks.
Mutfwang acknowledged and expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the Nigerian Army in maintaining security.
He also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieut-General Taoreed Lagbaja and the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN for their commitment to addressing various security challenges facing Plateau and the nation.
While reflecting on the recent events, Governor Mutfwang stated, “It is disheartening that we have lost numerous lives due to incessant attacks in Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin-Ladi.
“These senseless and unprovoked acts are unnecessary and unjustifiable,” he said, and appealed to the sponsors of these attacks to reconsider, “as there is nothing to gain from such violence. The spirit of the Plateau people will not be broken.”
The governor praised the bravery and sacrifices of security personnel, acknowledging the injuries sustained by some during efforts to secure the affected villages.
He assured of continued collaboration with the military and other security agencies to address security challenges, given the limited resources available.
While expressing sympathy for the affected families and communities, Governor Mutfwang urged citizens to stand strong, assuring them that the government is actively working to address the situation.
He called upon the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Plateau State Emergency Management Agency to swiftly respond to the humanitarian crisis resulting from the attacks.
Governor Mutfwang emphasized the government’s commitment by covering the medical expenses of those injured and receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and other hospitals in the state.