…Senator Lalong condemns clashes in Shendam.
by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Government has expressed “deep concern and displeasure” over the recent breach of peace (communal clashes) that unfolded in Shimankar (Menkaat), in Shendam Local Government Area of the state, which has unfortunately caused unnecessary tension within the community.
While condemning the incident in strong terms, the State Government has asserted that, the violent clashes that occurred have underscored peace, unity, and dialogue – which are the only viable solutions to resolving conflicts.
A statement to this effect was signed and issued to newsmen in Jos on Monday, by the Commissioner of Information and Communications, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap.
The statement reiterated that, Plateau State Government maintains its unwavering commitment to upholding peace and security for all citizens, especially during such tense moments.
The State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, acknowledged the swift response of law enforcement agencies and the traditional institutions in containing the situation.
He called for greater collaboration between community leaders, security agencies, and the public so as to prevent further escalation; thus the need to maintain peace, calm and restraint from all parties.
The Commissioner further urged the people of the community to pursue peaceful resolutions to any disagreements, instead of resorting to violence.
“In line with the administration’s ‘Time is Now’ vision, under the leadership of Governor Mutfwang, I want to emphasize that the state is focused on ensuring lasting peace and harmony, irrespective of religious or tribal differences.
“Government has directed security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the root causes of the skirmishes and to ensure that those responsible for any breach of public peace are held accountable,” the statement averred.
The commissioner urged citizens to remain vigilant, yet peaceful, and to actively support all efforts to de-escalate the situation, as the State Government is committed to fostering a peaceful coexistence for all citizens.
In the same vein, Senator Simon Lalong has equally condemned the reported skirmishes in Shimankar (Menkaat), Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State.
In a statement signed and issued to newsmen in Jos by his Media Adivser, Dr Makut Simon Mancham, Senator Lalong described the reported clashes within his Constituency between some groups as unfortunate, and called for restraint and calm, as dialogue remains the best way to address any differences.
The Senator, nevertheless, commended law enforcement agencies and members of the traditional institution for their prompt response in calming nerves, thus preventing the situation from degenerating, urging them to sustain vigilance to ensure that normalcy prevails, saying, “What dialogue cannot solve, violence and destruction cannot resolve.”
He called on security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation to identify the cause of the skirmishes as well as ensure that those responsible for breach of public peace are held to account.