by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has declared a week of mourning on the Plateau, starting from January 1st to January 8th, 2024, in honour of those, who lost their lives in the Christmas Eve attacks across Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of the state.
In a statewide broadcast, on Monday in Jos, the governor 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.
While specifically appealing to Muslim and Christian leaders to dedicate Friday 5th and Sunday 7th January, 2024 respectively, for special prayers, Gov Mutfwang described the attacks as “premeditated and coordinated acts of criminality, insurgency, and terrorism,” emphasizing the need to address them as such.
While refuting the traditional narrative of ‘farmer-herder clashes,’ the governor unequivocally labeled the incidents as “genocide.”
The governor also 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.
He 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, respectively.
He also announced a fuel subsidy of N10,000 per month for workers to back-start, 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.
Governor Mutfwang expressed hope on 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.