IGP Usman Federal Government has approved the recruitment of 20,000 policemen in an effort to resolve the security situation of the country.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Baba Alkali disclosed this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Dutse at his Palace. He said the aim of the visit was to seek the collaboration of all stallholders in addressing the insecurity situation of the country. “Federal Government has approved the recruitment of police and provided all the necessary logistics to do the recruitment” ” The recruitment is in line with the Federal Government directives to recruit 10,000 policemen every year and for 2020 we will match with 2021 which will increase the strength of the police by 20,000″
The IGP, however, urged the traditional rulers to take part in the recruitment process to ensure those recruited are of good character and indigenes of their local governments. He said those trained will also be deployed to their respective communities for better policing. “There is no better person who can provide proper policing than the person who knows the culture and tradition of the people”. He said.
Plateau state All Progressives Congress Elders Council on Friday expressed deepest concerns, sadness and grief on the unfortunate and senseless killings of innocent citizens in the State.
The group also passed a vote of confidence on the Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong for his peace building efforts .
Addressing newsmen in Jos , Arch Pam Dung Gyang who read the text of the press conference in Jos on behalf of Capt Joseph M. Din, the Chairman, Plateau State APC Elders Council further said that these attacks in Riyom LGA, Miango in Bassa Local Government Area, Rukuba Road and Yelwa Zangam in Jos North and all other isolated attacks that have taken place in the recent times is condemnable, unwarranted and satanic.
“The Plateau APC Elders further said that they stand in solidarity with His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, and the good people of Plateau State in this trying moment.”
” We wish to encourage him to continue with the peace process he is known for.
“Plateau State has had its fair share of the dark days, where external forces take advantage of the polarization of our citizens on the basis of ethnicity, religion and political leanings. No one will wish to experience those days again where people’s lives were wasted without remorse, distrust amongst citizens, and killings were the order of the day. “
The elders added that “Having watched keenly how events have unfolded from 2001 to this day, we must come together as a people of good conscience bounded together in love and unity for the good of Plateau State irrespective of tribe and religion. “
“It will be in the interest of Plateau State if the Plateau State Government revisits and identifys the youths of Plateau State that were trained abroad in security and intelligence gathering by the last administration as contained in the transition committee report, so that they are merged with the 3000 vigilantes trained by this current administration. “
“This will further boost and complement the efforts of the conventional security agencies in information gathering and tracking down bad elements amongst the residents of Plateau State. “
The elders also condemn in strongest terms the uncultured way some youths drag dead bodies of citizens who were recently killed, moving the dead bodies from one place to another in the name of protest, we want our youths to know that, the killing of our people is very painful but politicising it is very wrong.
Preamble The Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN)_the umbrella body of all the 56 autochthones of Plateau once again wish to reiterate its condemnation in strongest terms of the attacks on law abiding citizens by any group of persons by whatever name and reasons because life is sacrosanct and God’s gift to human. Our Press statement of 15th August 2021 did convey our feelings and position on the unfortunate Rukuba Road incident of 14 August 2021. We wish to join others in consoling the Anaguta Nation on the killings at Yelwa Zangam and pray that God almighty grants them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. We equally wish to appreciate the Plateau State Governor’s new approach to handling the crisis by visiting such communities and a promise to settle the medical bills of the survivors. We hope this will be complimented by compensation to remaining members of the families of those who lost their lives and equally sustain the practice since the killings have persisted.
PIDAN is very worried that killings in Yelwa Zangam took placed during the curfew hours and wondered about the effectiveness of the security architecture in safe-guarding communities and wish to again call on both the Federal and the State Government to further strengthen the security arrangement and forestall further waste of lives of innocent citizens.
PIDAN is equally greatly concern about the misconception, perception and misinformation of the general public by different interest groups within and outside Plateau on the on-going killings in the State especially following the aftermath of the August 14 killing event at Rukuba Road. We felt there is need to provide quality information to the public and the Government with the hope that it keeps the public better informed and enable the Government and its security agencies address some immediate and remote causes of the killings in the State.
First, Rukuba Road is the road that connects Jos-North LGA with the Maxwell Korbe Cantonment which houses the 3rd Armoured Division of the Nigeria Army in Rukuba land in Bassa LGA. It is only a fraction of the road that is in Rukuba land. The August 14 incidents occurred in the Jos-North part of the road and not in Rukuba land as insinuated by some publications in the media.
The month of August 2021 has undoubtedly, been an unusually unique moment for indigenes, residents and observers of the over a decade long organized and coordinated program of genocide on autochthonous communities of Plateau State, by Fulani Killer Herdsmen and militia. For those ignorant of the daily guerrilla-styled killings presently going on in Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs partly captured in the PIDAN Council’s Communiques of 20 March and 3rd July 2021; and sadly, the systematic cleansing of entire communities of Irigwe Chiefdom in Bassa LGA and the Anaguta Chiefdom in Jos-North LGA, it must have been a huge devastation and shock. These unfortunate developments have ultimately shown that indeed the peace in the State has consistently remain very fragile and should be propped up at all times. PIDAN wishes to, once more, place on record its sincere condolences to all victims of the continuous genocide and other related acts, including those who lost their lives in the aftermath of the unfortunate events of Saturday, August 14, 2021.
Our hearts are with our people living in an unfortunate inhuman condition of abject destitution, having been forcefully uprooted from their ancestral lands and homes, by Fulani Killer Herdsmen and Fulani terrorists, who now illegally occupy such communities. What else can we say to those whose crops on farms, nearing harvest, have been wickedly destroyed, in many communities of Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bassa, Bokkos, Mangu, Jos East Council Areas and elsewhere in the State. We are justifiably worried and sufficiently disturbed by the lingering prospects of a bleak or even no harvest ahead and its attendant ravaging starvation that stares our people in the face.
Remote factors to the hatred and killings
i. Plateau has, at best, had a hostile and unfriendly relationship with the Muslims North characterized by an unrelenting culture of deception and manipulation, from time immemorial. The 1804 Jihad of Othman Dan Fodio in Sokoto and its subsequent spread, like a winter wild fire, across the northern part of Nigeria, met a decisive waterloo in Jos, at the famous Naraguta war of 1873, as the present autochthonous ethnic groups of the Jos Plateau inflicted a crushing defeat on the Jihadists. Since then, the relationship between the northern oligarchy and Plateau autochthones has never been cordial. Over the years, technocrats of Hausa-Fulani extraction are known to have taken undue advantage of their positions in the Federal Government, to advance the scope and entrenched communal mistrust, suspicion and hostilities, between their settler kith’s and kins in Jos and the indigenes also known as autochthones.
ii. The flagrant abuse of the Federal Character principle culminating in the appointment of one Muktar Mohammed in June 2001, a native of Borno State, to head the Poverty Alleviation Program in Jos-North Local Government, the appointment of one Sanusi Mato, a Katsina indigene, as Sole Administrator of the same Jos Local Government, in April 1994 by the Mohammed Maina’s administration as vividly captured in the Fibiresima Commission report, 1994 heralded the outbreaks of violence and killings in on the Plateau. These few examples have deliberately not captured the generous patronage extended to residents of Jos, of Hausa-Fulani extraction, by their kith and kins in the Federal Government, in terms of lucrative job offers and contract placements, as well as the frustration meted out to Plateau indigenes in the Federal Service, by the same group.
iii. Plateau has become a home to all ethnic nationalities across Nigeria on account of our receptive and accommodative character. To date, it is on record that none of the non-indigenes who have had to suffer losses in lives and properties in Jos during crises, did so in the hands of the autochthones. We state with every sense of pride that at the outbreak of hostilities in 1966, preparatory to the outbreak of the civil war, many fleeing Igbos in Jos handed over their landed properties to indigenes, while some did same to their Hausa-Fulani friends. At the end of the war, most of those who entrusted their properties to indigenes, got them back, some with the rents collected during the war period. Let the Igbos tell the world how many of them got back their landed properties, especially those along Bauchi road Jos.
iv. Perhaps going back history, the Hausa-Fulani were not the first non-indigenous ethnic nationality to step into the Plateau. In 1902, Col. H. W. Laws, a mining Engineer, was sent into the Jos Plateau by the Royal Niger Company, to further explore the possibilities of commercial mining in the Jos Plateau sub region. He came along with porters, made up primarily of Niger Delta indigenes and a detachment of soldiers, of Yoruba extraction. This explains the very strong affiliation between the people of Jos and these non-indigenous nationalities. It was after the colonial conquest of the indigenous ethnic groups and the restoration of pax Britanica, and with the development of the tin mining industry, that the Hausa mining labourers started coming into the Jos mines region. Surprisingly, it is the latter group that has constituted itself into the veritable agent provocateur by turning Jos and Plateau State in general, into a killing field today. This is because the Hausa-Fulani seem to have vowed to make Jos and indeed, the entire State ungovernable, unless they are accorded the status of indigenes and subsequently made to install an Emir in Jos.
Contemporary trends of insecurity and the evolution of terrorism in the State
i. Prior to the bloody riot of the 7th September, 2001, all the demonstrations that took place in Jos were limited largely to the city and usually nipped within a day. Also worth noting is the low casualty, involving injuries with no loss of lives, due largely to the use of crude instruments as sticks, cutlasses and cudgels. All this however, changed completely in 2001, as the cause of this outing was fierce and religious, involving the use of very sophisticated and deadly weapons by the aggressors from 7-13th September leaving approximately 1000 deaths and displacing at least 50,000 civilians as captured by the Human Rights Watch report 2001. The November 2008 outing following the Local Government election however, remains the baseline in lethality, viciousness and large-scale devastation, and indeed, a prelude to what was to come. This was not a demonstration but a well-planned and strategically implemented warfare, in contrast to previous episodes and claimed over 700 lives as captured in Human Rights Watch report 2009.
ii. Another important aspect of the 2008 killings was the direct involvement of the then Chief of Army Staff, in what looked like monitoring of the security agencies, but essentially it was not. With then AIG in charge of Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa states, having relocated to Jos from his Makurdi base, and his state Police Commissioner firmly on ground, complimented by the GOC, 3rd Armoured Division, Rukuba, all on top of the situation, observers were of the opinion, the presence of the Army Chief in Jos, was unnecessary. Interestingly, while in Jos for about six days, the Army Chief did not pay courtesy calls on the Governor, the Gbong Gwom Jos and CAN leadership, a major victim of the killings, in both human and material losses. Instead, the COAS roamed about Hausa dominated wards of Jos and the Central Mosque. After putting in place the structure and personnel of the Special Military Task Force (STF), now Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), to handle the security issues of Plateau, he left. Not long after a new wave of very deadly terrorist attacks were launched centering on villages of Barkin Ladi LGA and later Riyom LGAs.
iii. Starting from Demburuk (Dogo Na Hauwa) in 2010, village after village systematically, came under deadly dawn attacks, killing every human in sight as well as destroying residential buildings. The gory orgy was virtually a daily affair and most times, with the STF men sitting aloof and watching. A new dimension was added to the killings, which was in the immediate take-over and occupation of the overran villages, by the very same killers. While the spate of killings in Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs were coming down, with the coming in of the present government, Bokkos and Bassa LGAs were rising up. A first class traditional ruler of Bokkos, Saf Ron Kulere, Sir Lazarus Agai was murdered by suspected Fulani Killer Herdsmen on the 18th July 2016. Today Irigwe and Anaguta lands are at the epic-centre of the storm, experiencing, similar devastations visited on Berom villages and Ron Kulere Chiefdom of Bokkos, in the manner of massive killings and destruction of dwelling places. The devastation in Riyom saw the complete evacuation of Attakar nation from Ganawuri Chiefdom into Kaduna State.
Genocide in the face of official manipulation and deception
i. We wish to state without any equivocation, that in the face of the massive killings and destruction of the livelihood of our people, the OPSH has been of very little help in most cases. It has been a case of total abandonment of our people at the mercy of a deadly gang of foreign and local Fulani terrorists. We have every reason to believe this is deliberate and a part of a policy strategy of the Federal Government, to force the RUGA or colony program for the Fulani on us. It is most disheartening to note that what is gradually and steadily consuming the whole of Plateau State has been whimsically reduced into a deceptive gimmick of farmers-herders clashes, by the Government and is being bandied out line, hook and sinker, by the mainstream media.
ii. Nothing explains the apparent insensitivity and insincerity of the Federal Government towards the genocide in Plateau in particular than the deliberate refusal of the National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA), the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and all the Presidential Initiatives on the victims of Insurgency, to attend to victims of the Plateau genocide. We are very much aware of the spirited efforts by some of our Federal Legislators to draw national attention to the plight of our people, but in vain. Admitting that an act of criminality has occurred, each time our villagers are attacked, killed and rendered homeless, has veritably assumed an uphill task, for government both at Federal and State levels. Thus the victims of Fulani terror attacks in Plateau State are largely, at the mercy of relations, well-meaning individuals, community help groups and God.
iii. We recall that prominent Church leaders, on the Plateau had cause to passionately call on President, Muhammadu Buhari, to urgently and honestly step in and halt the human carnage in the State. This was in reaction to the heartless, mind bogging and horrendous butchering of over 200 persons as captured in the Amnesty International Press Release of 28 June 2018 following a three-day invasion by suspected Fulani Killer Herdsmen on Gashish and Ropp Districts of Barkin Ladi LGA, Shonong, Rim and Jol villages of Riyom LGA and villages in Jos-South and Mangu LGAs, between June 22 to 24, 2018. On behalf of Heads of Christian Denominations in the State, in 2018, the then State CAN Chairman, Rev. Dr Soja Bewarang, urged the President to, “avoid a state of complete anarchy, where the people are forced to defend themselves.” The Church heads rejected the worn out narrative of farmers-herders clashes, noting with utmost disappointment that, ‘the FG has been so immersed in this false propaganda and deceit while forcefully pushing the policy idea of establishing cattle ranches/colonies on the ancestral farmlands of the attacked communities, for the Fulani herdsmen as the only solution to the problem”. The statement concluded that there was nothing like farmers-herders clashes, ‘when one group is persistently attacking, killing, maiming, destroying and the other group is persistently being killed, maimed and their places of worship destroyed’. Sadly, their appeal fell on deaf ears. For a leader with a clean conscience and listening ears, this was Plateau State speaking. Ignoring or turning a deaf ear to this Godly admonition amounts to what is the position of things today in our State. It appears from all indications that Mr President is prepared to hang on to his decision of not listening to the yearning of the Plateau autochthones, irrespective of the costs, in human lives, properties and the survival of the country. This is sad and unfortunate.
iv. The event of August 14, 2021, characterized by the killing of alleged ‘innocent’ travellers of Ondo State origin, from an acclaimed religious function in Bauchi, on their way back to their State created a situation that further revealed the mindset of northern interest groups, its oligarchy and how the security apparatus has been re-organised against the Plateau autochthones. Ordinarily, we would have been constrained at this juncture, from making any further comments on this matter, on the presumption that the security was on top of the matter, diligently investigating the circumstances surrounding the occurrence of the event. usually after days or weeks of painstaking investigations, the Police would come up with what should be reliable, authentic and convincing statement. Unfortunately, the Plateau State Police Command shot itself on the foot and in the process, presented itself as an interested party rather than a neutral investigator, in the matter.
v. Less than five hours of the incident the Force in a vile, biased, tendentious and highly incriminating statement by its Public Relations Officer, Mr Ubah Gabriel Ogaba, which categorically singled out ‘Irigwe Youths and their mourners’ as the killers of the Ondo travellers. Immediately, the Police statement became public, anti-Plateau media outfits and traditional Plateau haters went wild in unguarded sensationalism. The public space has since become inundated and over saturated, with all manner of threats, abuses and curses on Plateau and its autochthones. Notable clerics such as Alkali Abubakar in his media release even had the audacity to call us ‘Arna Plateau’. We wish to summarily note however, as follows: a. Firstly, it appears the State Police Commissioner, has transformed the State Police Command, into a world class effective machinery in investigative excellence. For the ability to identify and profile the killers of the Ondo State travellers, at Rukuba road, in less than five hours, is no mean achievement. We are however, worried that the killings of equally innocent Irigwe natives preceded the Rukuba road event from July 23 to August 2, 2021, and also the 5 persons killed in Tafi-Gana on the 16 August 2021; and the Yelwa Zangam Killings of over 36 Anaguta persons in Jos-North have not received similar attention. Should we then assume that the lives of these people were not innocent enough to attract the professional attention of the Plateau State Police Command to deploy their investigative excellence to identify and equally profile the ethnic background of their killers?.
b. Immediately the Rukuba road event occurred, arrests were made, (though very much aware that most of the suspects hurriedly arrested knew nothing on the event). That arrests were made at all indicates that the security community in Plateau is living to its bidding. We are however shocked that days after the killing of the ‘innocent’ Ondo travellers, reprisal killings have persisted, yet no arrests have been made of the killers. Is the professional efficiency of the security agencies in detection, arrest and ethnic profiling of killers, effective only when Fulani Muslims are killed?
c. In June, 2010, over 500 lives were wasted in one night in Demburuk (Dogo Na Hauwa) village, of Foron District in Barkin Ladi LGA. This is minus those killed in Mai-Idon Taro, and Kugot in Fan District, of the same Local Government. To the best of our knowledge, up to now not a single arrest has been made. In his reaction to that event, the late Sale Bayari (a Fulani Man) was said to have callously stated that, ‘some people had to die’. Perhaps this position influenced Police official reaction, as there was no investigation and no arrest.
d. Between January and August 2021, over 50 people were killed in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Jos South LGAs. Our Communique of 3rd July 2021 listed the names of 34 persons killed by Fulani Killer Herdsmen. Were these victims not innocent enough to be honoured in death with a profile of their killers?
e. Irigwe villages were under sustained attack, by Fulani terrorists, for a week, with no intervention from the OPSH, Police and the 3rd Armoured Division Barracks, a stone-throw from the villages. Much shocking, when the military men finally arrived the scenes of attack, they only stood and watched, claiming they had no orders to intervene. One wonders, the function of the OPSH in Plateau, if its operatives would have to wait for authorization to intervene, in cases of extreme threat to life and property.
f. On the contrary, hours of the outbreak of killings at Rukuba road, the Commander of the OPSH, Police Commissioner and top brass of other security agencies, were immediately on ground, thus clearly giving a clear picture of preferential treatment. Equally worth noting is the prompt and urgency in the State Government and the Presidency’s approach towards the rehabilitation of the injured, a radical departure from the usual display of cluelessness and insensitivity, towards our own people.
Our Demands;
We demand justice, fairness and equity in the handling of the all cases of attacks in all communities in Plateau State from both the Federal and State Government and their security agencies. All those in Police custody should have their cases quickly assessed and those not guilty be promptly released while those found guilty should be charged to court for fair hearing and early adjudication of their cases.
We call on the Government to strengthen security around the University of Jos and its environs so as restore confidence of the public in keeping their wards in the University. We specially wish to request that a Mobile Police outstation be established adjacent the Student Village Hostel gate to provide security to the Student Village Hostel in particular and the University Community in general.
We are also calling on the governments at both Federal and State Levels to relocate all the internally displaced persons in the LGAs of Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bokkos and Jos-South to their ancestral land and provide adequate security.
We wish to remind all interest groups especially those claiming to represent Arewa interest to understand that Plateau is equally in the northern part of the Country and we shall not take kindly to people calling us names and issuing threats to the Plateau autochthones when we are very much aware of their hidden agenda which is inimical to the Plateau heritage and the collective interest of the autochthones. Anybody who mean well for Plateau State will definitely accord the autochthones respect for their heritage and Political autonomy.
We equally call on religious leaders and their organizations to understand that the three key religions in the Country namely Christianity, Islam and Traditional worshipping have adherents of their faith on the Plateau and the leaders should be mindful of their utterances so as not to destroy the cordial relationship that exist among their followers.
We wish to let the Northern oligarchy and Arewa interest groups know that we have never denied the fact that we are part of the North. Our struggle has been to maintain our cherished heritage and political autonomy and to exist as autonomous partners and not to be subservient to any body or group. This has been the position of our forefathers and founders of Plateau and has remained non-negotiable. We hope you will respect our position and work with us as equal partners towards achieving the much needed peace and development in the North.
Finally, we have provided quality information to educate the public on the wrangling and on-going killings in the State and to enable the Government at all levels to take steps to address the lapses enumerated so as to improve the peace of all citizens in the State.
Col SG Fwangje rtd, fss, mss, psc, Barden Mangu and Rimin Langai has commensurated with the Government and good People of Plateau State over the unfortunate attacks that claimed lives and immeasurable destruction of property across the state within the last one month. Col SG Fwangje (Rtd) made this known during an interaction with journalist in Jos the Plateau State Capital. He particularly sympathized with the families of those who lost their lives and property in the unfortunate incidents in Bassa, Riyom, Jos South and Jos North LGAs and prayed God to comfort them.
Col Fwangje (Rtd) used the opportunity to appreciate the Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabo, who is his Course mate, a member of 34 Regular Course, for coming to Jos for an on-the-spot assessment of the security efforts in containing the situation.
The retired senior military officer who is also a double cap Chief further stressed that the merging of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army Maxwell Khobe Cantonment and the Operation Safe Haven is a well-conceived idea and aimed at providing adequate responses in times of attacks. He said the General Officer Commanding 3 Division who doubles as the Commander Operation Safe Haven, Major Gen. Ibrahim Ali is a disciplined, well trained and professional Army Officer who will discharge his duties of restoring peace and security in the Joint Operation Area creditably well if given the required support and cooperation.
Col SG Fwangje specially commended the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Rt Hon (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong KSGG for his resilience, and steadfastness in the face of most difficult security situation in Plateau State. He urged all stakeholders to support the Government to achieve the needed peace and stability in Plateau State. He called on citizens to be security conscious and alert at all times, and report any suspicious movements or persons to security operatives to help achieve incremental peace in Plateau State.
NASARAWA GOVERNOR VISITS GOVERNOR LALONG OVER RECENT ATTACKS; SAYS PLATEAU REMAINS A HOME FOR ALL
Nasarawa State Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule has led a high powered delegation to Plateau State to commiserate with the Government and people over the recent attacks in the State.
Governor Sule who led the delegation comprising of traditonal, religious and Government officials from Nasarawa State said the visit was necessary because Plateau State remains a natural home for all Nigerians, especially the people of Nasarawa State who were part of the old Plateau State.
He sympathised with the people of Plateau State particularly those who lost loved ones, properties, animals and farm crops. On behalf of the Nasarawa State government, he delivered an official condolence letter and an undisclosed cash donation to assist those affected.
The Governor said it was painful to see the rich history of Plateau State known for its hospitality, serenity, tolerance and excellence being jeopardized by criminal activities using religion, ethnicity and politics.
Sule recalled with Nostalgia his growing days in Jos where people were united and loved one another irrespective of their differences. He wondered how people allowed politics of hatred and religious bigotry to take pride over peaceful coexistence and humanity.
Responding, Governor Simon Lalong thanked the Government and people of Nasarawa State for their support and solidarity which affirms the eternal bond that exists between the two States.
He told Governor Abdullahi Sule that what happened in the recent attacks was pure criminality which must not be given any other name for convenience or cover up. He said the security agencies have made arrests and those arrested will be diligently prosecuted.
Lalong decried the misuse of the social media and some part of the traditional media by some citizens particularly the youth who propagate falsehood, panic and hate speech. He said this has led to the de-marketing the State.
He however expressed appreciation to good Nigerians and people of Plateau State who contributed to dousing tensions and ensuring the return of calm.
Thereafter, the meeting went into closed door session where further deliberations were held with traditional, religious and community leaders and the two Governors.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 2nd September 2021.
PLATEAU YOUTHS GROUP APPRECIATE GWANI MUHAMMAD ADAM ALKALI OON FOR DONATION OF T-SHIRTS AND FACECAPS IN SUPPORT OF GOV. SIMON BAKO LALONG
The #Lalong Must Succeed group appreciates Alh. Gwani Muhammad Adam Alkali OON for donating face t-shirts and caps to their group during the solidarity protest embark upon in support of Governor Simon Bako Lalong tagged:#Lalong Must Succeed. In a Press Release in Jos the Plateau State Capital, the group said Alh. Gwani Muhammad Alkali OON is a a man of peace who believes in the oneness of the citizens of Plateau State, during the donation, he urge youths to eschew violence and live in peace with one another inrespective of religious tribal and party differences. In his words, the philanthropist said Plateau people should think Plateau and act Plateau. The group thank him immensely for the donation and pray for God to bless him abundantly.
The resurgence of violent attacks and unstable security in Plateau State has drawn grieved the Youth Wing Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) Plateau State Chapter.
YOWICAN expressed dissatisfaction over the attacks, killings and destructions of crops in certain communities in Plateau State.
The body said the attacks are highly condemnable and unacceptable by every human line of thought as no one has the right to take the life of another. They call on all Plateau citizens to eschew violence and promote peaceful coexistence.
In a press text jointly signed by YOWICAN Chairman Plateau State Deacon Pharm. Markus Kanda, the Vice Chairman Barr. Panmak Lere and Secretary Pastor Nehemiah Nanmwa emphasized the need for the security agencies to be responsive to every distress call, especially such confirmed dangers as delay in the face of such calls and attacks serve as a respite for the criminals and provide them ample opportunities of escape from the scene of attacks.
It called on the State government to as a matter of urgency set up a committee to take stocks of the level of destruction of crops, lives and property in all the troubled parts of Plateau especially Jos North, Jos South, Jos East, Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bokkos and Mangu LGAs in order to garner and provide adequate relief materials for the victims to prevent famine, hunger and starvation and to also reconstruct or renovate houses destroyed and ensure the victims are peacefully resettled in their communities with adequate security measures to forestall possible future attacks.
It futher drew the government’s attention to the existence of illegal occupants of houses and properties in such communities as some marauders proceeded to occupying the lands and properties of their victims.
The full text reads;
TEXT OF WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE RECENT MASSIVE RESURGENCE OF VIOLENT ATTACKS AND UNSTABLE SECURITY IN PLATEAU STATE PRESENTED BY THE YOUTH WING CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (YOWICAN) PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER, ON THE 1ST SEPTEMBER, 2021 AT THE CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (CAN) SECRETARIAT, JOS SOUTH LGA, PLATEAU STATE
Protocol
The Youth Wing Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) PLATEAU STATE as vanguard of peace, advocates of good governance and religious tolerance have not withheld any wise counsel from the government and the peace loving people of Plateau State through all times and seasons and shall continue to dispassionately discharge it’s civic and moral duties accordingly.
1. YOWICAN had sued for peace and calm on the Plateau especially given the recent resurgence of insecurity and unprovoked attacks on Plateau communities as well as the destruction of lives and properties of our people. These attacks are highly condemnable and unacceptable by every human line of thought as no one has the right to take the life of another. We continue to call on all Plateau citizens to eschew violence and promote peaceful coexistence.
2. We have noticed with a glimpse of joy the measures taken by the State Government recently in concert with the clarion call made by the Plateau State House of Assembly, to speak in defence of the Plateau people and this is indeed highly commendable and we do hope to see more of this synergy going forward, to ensure that lost hope of the citizens is rekindled and sustained.
3. After the unfortunate incidences that bedevilled Plateau State in recent times, with particular reference to attacks on the Irigwe people in Miango villages in Bassa LGA, some commuters along Rukuba Road and the Anaguta people in Yelwa Zangam both in Jos North LGA (where a total of over 150 lives have been lost), the Plateau Legislators called on the Executive at all tiers of government- Federal, State and Local Governments to discharge their functions to ensuring the security of lives and properties of her citizens as well as the defence of the land from Marauder’s and Jihadists who by all means have made frantic efforts to kill on and evict the people from their ancestral lands. It is natural to expect Government to be proactive in their response and to also be seen to be handling citizens fairly because no life is more superior than the other. We encourage a continuous synergy between the Executive and Legislative arms of government to be maintained and improved upon.
4. YOWICAN has noted that the government of Plateau State under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Barr. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong has taken measures to addressing the ills bedeviling the people as beckoned by the Legislative Arm to visit the people of and victims in Yelwa Zangam. His instruction for the establishment of a Police Post and rehabilitation of the bridge linking the two communities of Yelwan Zangam and Kunga 1 as well as facilitating the burial of the deceased persons is hereby appreciated. The delivery of relief materials to the victims of the attacks and commitment to settling the medical bills of the victims in the hospitals among other things will greatly be appreciated. We hereby encourage the government to remain responsive to demands from it’s arms and the people and act swiftly when the need arises so that confidence of the people on government will not decline beyond this low point. The government should replicate this gesture and good governance measures in all the troubled areas in Plateau State.
5. The government of Plateau ( all arms) in good synergy will always do greatly and achieve better things for the Plateau citizens as can be seen in the synergy between the Executive and Legislature in the establishment of Mobile Police Barracks in Shendam and Garshish, Air Force Base in Kerang, Peace Building Agency, Peace Watch Tower in Dutse Uku and Inter Religious Council among others , aside Enacting the Anti Land Grabbing and Anti Kidnapping Laws including the Autonomy Laws to grant the arms of government full and independent expression of their statutory powers. We encourage this display of tact and understanding in governance for the greater interest of Plateau State.
6. YOWICAN reiterates its support to the clarion call made my the Legislature as the full compliment of the representatives of the people and do confirm that the protection and welfare of the Plateau people is the duty of government. The government at all levels in the state should be palpably seen to rise to the occasion for this is primarily the duty of every government and we sincerely hope government will be sincere and committed to the protection of the people and her heritage, especially against Invaders and Jihadists that have seemingly found comfort and encouragement in the previous silence and carefreeness of the government suggested by it’s body language and silence.
7. YOWICAN appreciates the Plateau Youths for their doggedness in voicing out their plights and grievances naturedly and in a non violent manner – especially in support of a right call to Plateau survival and self determination and by committing themselves to holding government accountable for it’s actions and inactions. This surely is the Plateau Spirit which seemed to have been lost over a long time and we are hopeful that this commendable unity and resolve will not cease after Plateau gains victory over her challenges.
9. We have however noticed some persons, including elders, youths and particularly politicians (within and outside the state) whom society estimates as responsible but who have unfortunately chosen to follow the path of dishonour to politicize and scorn the united Plateau spirit against bad governance or the silence of government that had prevailed before now in the face of great onslaught on Plateau people. We call on such persons or groups by whatever name or office they are called or known to desist from such cheap eye-service and show of shame, as the lives (living or dead) of Plateau people deserve honour and dignity and must be maintained with every sense of reverence.
10. The peace loving people of Plateau State, especially the Youths are unreservedly identifying with their representatives in the Plateau State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Honourable Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ayuba Abok and charge the Honourable members with the mandate of continuing to speak with one voice for the peace, well-being, good governance, protection and self determination of the Plateau people. The legislative Arm should also be very weary of any double standard as Plateau people are watching and shall hold them accountable with every sense of duty. The government is encouraged to grant expression to the well-meaning Laws made to safeguard the people and the land dispassionately without fear or favour.
11. YOWICAN condemns the silent killings and mowing down of crops still on-going in the midst of the curfew imposed on Jos North, Jos South, and Bassa LGAs and calls on the government of Plateau State to consider and address the plight of the victims noting that their source of livelihood has been destroyed. We also call on the security agencies to double up their efforts in achieving total calm and through credible information gathering, arrests and prosecution should be done to bring perpetrators to answer for their crimes according to law. We appeal to them to be professional in the discharge of their duties knowing fully well that God in heaven sees all things done even in secret. We hereby call on law abiding citizens of Plateau State not to take the laws into their hands nor resort to actions that will be provocative but to conduct themselves at all times in the exercise of their constitutional right to self defence within the ambit of the law.
12. We will also emphasize the need for security agencies to be responsive to every distress call, especially such confirmed dangers as delay in the face of such calls and attacks serve as a respite for the criminals and provide them ample opportunities of escape from the scene of attacks
13. We call on the state government to as a matter of urgency set up a committee (if that has not been done) to take stocks of the level of destruction of crops, lives and properties in all the troubled parts of Plateau especially Jos North, Jos South, Jos East, Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bokkos and Mangu LGAs in order to garner and provide adequate relief materials for the victims to prevent famine, hunger and starvation and to also reconstruct or renovate houses destroyed and ensure the victims are peacefully resettled in their communities with adequate security measures to forestall possible future attacks. In this wise, we draw the government’s attention to the existence of illegal occupants of houses and properties in such communities as some marauders proceeded to occupying the lands and properties of their victims. This cannot be allowed to go unaddressed and unpunished under the extant laws.
14. We call to the attention of the Plateau State Government the rumours taking turns on perceived impeachment of the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and intimidation of the Honourable members, by whatever means possible for the measures taken by the House under his leadership in the defence of the interest of Plateau people. Plateau Youths shall resist strongly any attempt to disorganize the Plateau House of Assembly. We belief that the Governor means well for the people and will not allow himself dance a strange dance at a time the Plateau Spirit of Unity and brotherliness has been revived rather, being a former presiding officer of the same House a few years ago, he should understand and appreciate the place of checks and balances within the bounds of the law. Times of politicking and party cowardice has ended since election in 2019 and now is a crucial time to close all ranks and solidify good governance and the protection of the land irrespective of ethnic, religious or party affiliations.
15. While we call on well meaning citizens (within and outside the state) to lend their voices in solidarity with the Plateau people and heritage, we encourage the Plateau State government to create more national and international contact and network and collaborate for the well being and protection of Plateau State as Martin Luther King Jr said “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter”
16. We look forward to seeing greater synergy in Plateau State at all levels of government and also from all and sundry as Peace is everybody’s business and we must all be deliberate in partaking in the process – everybody knows that anybody could do all the important things that somebody should do, everybody knows that anybody could do all the good things that no body did.
God bless the Youth Wing Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) God bless the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) God bless Plateau State God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Signed
YOWICAN Chairman, Plateau State Deacon Pharm. Markus Audu Kanda
YOWICAN Vice Chairman, Plateau State Amb. Hon. Barr. Panmak Mark Lere
YOWICAN Secretary, Plateau State Pastor Nehemiah Nanmwa Michael
CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF IN PLATEAU; SAYS CITIZENS MUST WORK WITH SECURITY FORCES TO RESTORE PEACE
The Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Lucky Irabor has visited Plateau State to assess the security situation and interact with key stakeholders on how to ensure lasting peace in the State.
General Irabor on arrival paid a courtesy visit on Governor Simon Lalong at the new Government House Rayfield Jos where he explained that he was in the State as part of the mandate from President Muhammadu Buhari for the Armed Forces to do everything their schedule of duty to ensure that perpetrators are fished out and such attacks do not happen again.
During the stakeholders meeting held at the Victoria Gowon Hall, General Irabor said the meeting will afford him the opportunity to listen to the concerns and suggestions of all participants on the way forward.
He explained that the military can work to confront criminal elements working against the security of lives and properties, but real peace is only obtainable when the citizens make deliberate efforts to live with one another, adhere to norms, and laws as well as expose criminals amongst them.
The CDS also clarified the merging of the duties of Operation Safe Haven and the 3rd Armoured Division which he said was done to give the Commander wider latitude and resources to deploy whenever there is any emergency. He said it was a great advantage which must not be misconstrued.
He appealed to the people to cultivate trust with the Armed Forces and use all necessary channels to report any misconduct from the lowest to the highest level. He assured that no personnel will be allowed to go away with any act that runs contrary to the regulations of the Armed Forces.
Governor Simon Lalong while appreciating President Muhammadu Buhari for his concern over the recent developments in the State, welcomed the CDS for his visit.
He said the situation has been stabilised but more work needs to be done both in terms of law enforcement and peace building.
The Governor reiterated that the people of Plateau State are peace loving and accommodating, and wish to have stability to pursue their living peacefully.
The meeting thereafter went into a closed door session.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 1st August 2021.
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved a reshuffle in the cabinet formed on August 21, 2019.
In a statement to cabinet members during the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday 1st September, President Buhari announced that Mohammed Sabo Nanono, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Engr. Sale Mamman, Minister of Power were leaving the cabinet.
In the same vein, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, Minister of Environment, was redeployed to assume office as the Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development, while Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu, Minister of State, Works & Housing will now be the Minister of Power.
The President said the changes were sequel to the “tradition of subjecting our projects and programs implementation to independent and critical self-review” through sector reporting during Cabinet meetings and at retreats.
He added that “these significant review steps have helped to identify and strengthen weak areas, close gaps, build cohesion and synergy in governance, manage the economy and improve the delivery of public good to Nigerians.”
Femi Adesina Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) September 01, 2021
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The full text of the statement is reproduced below:
On Wednesday 21st August, 2019 the current Federal Executive Council was sworn-in after a rigorous retreat to bring returning and new members up to speed on the accomplishments, challenges and lessons drawn from my first term in Office and to emphasise the 9 priority areas of government for the second term.
2. Two years and some months into the second term, the tradition of subjecting our projects and programs implementation to independent and critical self-review has taken firm roots through sector Reporting during Cabinet meetings and at Retreats.
3. These significant review steps have helped to identify and strengthen weak areas, close gaps, build cohesion and synergy in governance, manage the economy and improve the delivery of public good to Nigerians.
4. I must commend this cabinet for demonstrating unparalleled resilience that helped the government to navigate the disruption to global systems and governance occasioned by the emergence of COVID-19 shortly after inauguration. The weekly Federal Executive Council meetings was not spared because the traditional mode was altered.
5. As we are all aware, change is the only factor that is constant in every human endeavour and as this administration approaches its critical phase in the second term, I have found it essential to reinvigorate this cabinet in a manner that will deepen its capacity to consolidate legacy achievements.
6. Accordingly, a few cabinet changes, marking the beginning of a continuous process, have been approved. They are as follows:
Ministers Leaving the Cabinet:
I. Mohammed Sabo Nanono, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and
II. Engr. Sale Mamman, Minister of Power.
Redeployment:
I. Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, Minister of Environment, to assume office as the Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development;
II. Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu, Minister of State, Works & Housing assume office as the Minister of Power.
7. In due course, substantive nominations will be made to fill the consequential vacancies in accordance with the requirements of the constitution.
8. I have personally met with the departing members to thank them for their contributions to discussions in cabinet and the invaluable services rendered to the nation. Today, effectively marks their last participation in the Federal Executive Council deliberations and I wish them the best in all future endeavours.
9. Finally, I wish to reiterate once more, that this process shall be continuous.
10. I thank you all and May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
IRIGWE/FULANI LEADERS MEET AGAIN; AGREE TO SIGN PACT ON PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE
For the second time within two weeks, leaders of Irigwe land and fulani community met with Governor Simon Bako Lalong in an effort to find lasting solutions to the recurring violence in some areas of Bassa Local Government.
The meeting which was held at the Government House Rayfield Jos, had the representatives of the two sides under one roof who presented their positions on how best to achieve lasting peace and security in the area.
Both sides who had earlier met with the Governor separately, expressed readiness to forgive one another where they have suffered injustice in the past as well as come back together and coexist under a peaceful atmosphere.
They also agreed to further sit together and fine tune issues that are causing the conflict before they come up with a final document.
Governor Lalong after listening to them said while Government will do its part in ensuring that criminals are arrested and prosecuted, the responsibility of living in peace lies with the citizens who must come together and identify the criminals.
He assured them that he will be glad to go to Irigwe land and witness the signing of the agreement when it is fine tuned. The Government he said will play its part in implementing whatever pact is signed.
He directed the Peace Building Agency to follow up and midwife the process.
While that is being awaited, the Governor assured them that those affected and displaced will recieve palliatives from the State and Federal Government while other measures to assist them rebuild will further be strengthened.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 1st September 2021.
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