REPORT OF ATTACK ON LUXURIOUS BUSES IN JOS FAKE – GOVERNOR LALONG.
Members of the public are advised to ignore a social media post purportedly showing luxurious buses on fire with the caption “Plateau crises and genocide worsens as 2 luxurious buses conveying Igbos down East were set on fire with 156 passengers inside” which is fake, as no such incident happened.
This is purely the handiwork of crises merchants and mischief makers who want to create panic and instigate violence and fear among the people.
For the avoidance of doubt, the security situation in Plateau State is very much under control as security personnel have been deployed to all parts of Jos to enforce the 24 hour curfew still in force, as well as also ensure compliance with the dusk to dawn curfew in Jos South and Bassa LGAs.
The Governor of Plateau State Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has directed security agencies to track and fish out the purveyors of such fake information whose objective is to cause panic and crisis.
The public is also advised to desist from sharing such fake information as it can lead to unpleasant consequences for innocent persons.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 28th August 2021.
WE ARE REVIEWING OUR OPERATIONS SAYS GEN IRABOR, AS DHQ ENDS GEO-POLITICAL ZONES SECURITY PARLEY WITH RETIRED SENIOR MILITARY OFFICERS The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor on Friday 27 August 2021, disclosed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), is currently reviewing its operational engagements in the various theatres in order to bring peace in troubled parts of the country. Gen Irabor stated this at the 6th edition of the CDS security parley with military veterans tagged, “CDS Interactive Session with Retired Senior Military Officers in the South South Geo-political zone” held at 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in Asaba, Delta state. The CDS averred that the security parley which was flagged-off in the South West, have been worthwhile, successful and beneficial to the AFN, as several topical issues emanated from all the geo-political zone. This, he said is guiding the military high command in reviewing its operational doctrines and plans. According to Gen Irabor, “interaction is a continuous process, *so* much value has emerged from the interactive session with our retired senior officers, and we are going to leverage the success and benefit to improve on security and safety of lives and properties.” The Defence Chief noted that the operational engagements of DELTA SAFE which is in synergy with other internal security arrangement are impacting on the peculiar security challenges, which are illegal oil bunkering, piracy, among others, adding that the security disposition in the South-South (SS) region will continue to get better. He further explained that the security parley would focus on engaging critical stakeholders such as royal fathers, some of who are equally retired senior officers and among the participants to take some tip bits arising from the interaction in sensitizing their subjects. The CDS assured that the AFN will continue to foster the right ambience for other stakeholders in order to holistically combat the *myriad* of security in the region. According to him, “there are other engagements that are holding behind the scene, as we have assessed that kinetic efforts is only a part of the solution, there are non-kinetic approach which forms partof the engagement that is focused on the holistic solutions to the challenges in the Niger Delta region. The Chief of Defence Civil Military Cooperation (CDCIMIC), Rear Admiral Fredrick Ogu, in his remarks, said as stakeholders in the defence and security sector, the retired senior officers are in a vintage disposition to understand the array of security issues in their domain. He added that they could offer professional counsel on likely strategies to adopt in tackling the security threats. The CDCIMIC further disclosed that myriad of security issues in the nation and those specific to each geo-political zone were x-rayed, while adding that the outcome of the engagements with the veterans was rewarding. He listed the heightened insecurity in the SS zone to be attacks on local communities, piracy, militia attacks, cultism, illegal oil theft, vandalizing of critical national assets, sabotage, high sea robbery, kidnapping and other sundry crimes. Earlier in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Sani Mohammed lauded the initiative by the CDS in mooting the idea where senior serving and retired military officers were able to gather to brainstorm on a collective approach towards enhancing operational performance of the military in the SS region. Prominent among the participants were the former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah (rtd) and the former CDS, Gen Alexander Ogomudia (rtd). The Royal fathers that were in attendance include: His Royal Highness (HRH), Maj Gen Felix Mujakperuo (rtd), HRH Air Vice Marshal (AVM), Lucky Ararile (rtd) and HRH Brig Gen Bright Fiboinumama (rtd). The Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Maj Gen Samuel Adebayo, Director General-Defence Research and Development Bureau, AVM Peter Uzezi, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Kennedy Egbuchulam, FOC Logistics Command, Rear Admiral Sileranda Lassa and the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, AVM Ali Bello were among the top military brass that graced the security parley. The major activities that took place during the close door sessions at the one day parley in all the six geo-political zones was the CDI’s brief on the general security threats being experienced in each of the zone. A group/syndicates’ presentations on the assigned thematic areas were delivered by the retired senior officers, while the “A” Team Unique Professional Limited, a Consultant to Defence Headquarters and facilitators of the CDS security parley, anchored the interactive sessions. BENJAMIN OLUFEMI SAWYERR Major General Director Defence Information 27 August 2021
DEFENCE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY DID NOT ORDER THE ARREST OF RETIRED COMMODORE KUNLE OLAWUNMI The attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to an online news publication by Sahara Reporters alleging that the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) ordered the arrest of retired Cdre Kunle Olawunmi for recently appearing on Channels Television programme (Sunrise Daily). The Armed Forces may not want to join issues with Sahara Reporters for the scandalous and malicious publication insinuating that it’s Agency has ordered the arrest of Cdre Olawunmi (rtd) for sharing his views on matters of defence and national security. It is gratifying to state that the retired military officer who is on the military reserve list was only invited via SMS and voice by DIA to further furnish the AFN with relevant and pressing security information which he may be opportuned to have knowledge of as a Professor of Global Security Studies. The said proposed meeting between DIA and the retired senior Navy officer was intended to get credible tips on boosting the fight against terrorism/insurgency, banditry and sundry crimes. He was not asked to come along with his international passport. This in no way constitute any form of arrest speculated by Sahara Reporters. It is very sad that an online media like Sahara Reporters would capitalize on a proposed meeting between an agency and it’s stakeholder to paint the story in a manner intended to portray the military as draconic government agency acting in a crude manner. The general public should please note that the AFN is a professional entity that will continue to be responsive to all credible information that will promote peace and unity of our dear country. As you will recall, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor has just completed his tour of the 6 Geo-Political Zones where he interacted with retired military officers with a view to rallying them to lend their support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria. In this regard, I wish to use this medium to encourage the retired senior officer to come forward to give valuable information to the military authorities as a patriotic citizen who has served meritoriously in various capacities in the Nigerian Navy before retirement. BENJAMIN OLUFEMI SAWYERR Major General Director Defence Information 28 August 2021
USAID Partners Plateau Peace Building Agency to Donate Relief Materials to Displaced Persons in Bassa Communities
Succour has come the way of the displaced persons from 18 Communities who were affected by the violent attacks, killings and farm crops destruction in Miango and Kwall Districts Bassa LGA, Plateau State.
The humanitarian intervention which was facilitated by the government of Plateau State through the Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PPBA) was made possible through the effort of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Nigerian Early Recovery Initiative (NERI).
While delivering the items in the two mentioned Districts, the Representatives of NERI, Mr. Samson Noma sympathized with the people over the unfortunate incident that led to their displacement from their homes and disclosed that the gesture was to assist in addressing their physiological needs and help build their resilience. He said the items were donated to bring succour to the displaced persons and their families on account of their present predicament.
In his remarks, the Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency, Mr. Joseph Lengmang commended the USAID for partnering with the State government in facilitating the timely humanitarian intervention to assist the people of the State who were displaced following violent attacks. He stressed that the intervention will create new opportunities to help the affected communities to rebuild, to heal and to reconcile going forward. He further stated that the gesture is one among the series of intervention the State government is planning for the displaced. He said the gesture which is to ameliorate the hardships being faced by the displaced persons who have suffered the brunt of attacks and violent conflict was facilitated by the Plateau State Government through the instrumentality of the Plateau Peace Building Agency.
He said though the experiences of the people is hurting, they should be comforted by the commitment of the Plateau Peace Building Agency and other organizations working with it to work with the people to overcome those things that engender violent conflicts and attacks in communities, to secure communities and to promote stable and prosperous communities in Irigwe Land, the Local Government Area and State at large.
Mr. Lengmang reassured the people of the State government’s commitment to ensure the safety, security as well as the welfare of the people.
District Heads of Miango and Kwall; Chief Daniel Chega and Chief Hala Biti in their separate remarks lauded the donor for identifying with the people.
President of Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Prince Robert Achi and the Irigwe Youth Movement (IYM) National President, Cmr. Ezekiel Bini appreciated USAID and the State Government for the gesture.
Some beneficiaries who could not hide their joy said though their situation is painful, the gesture is timely and bringing greater hope to them.
549 persons benefitted from the gesture comprising of 241 from Miango District and 308 from Kwall District.
The benefitting communities are Dundu, Ung. Magaji, Kigam, Kangbro, Hura, Maiyanga, Kishisho, Ri-Geh, Jebbu, Kpachudu, Zanwra, Tafigana, Mai Tifa, Sabon Layi and Rikwe Rishe.
Each beneficiary got 1 bag of Semolina, 1 carton of Noodles, 1 sleeping mat, 5 packs of maggi cube, 1 pack of tasty tom tomato, 10 packs of salt, 1 bucket, 6 packs of viva detergent, 2 packs of sanitary pad, branded polythene bags and 4 litres of Palm Oil.
PLATEAU COMMISSIONER FOR INFORMATION MOURNS BLOGGER, LOISINTA VOU PWOL
I received with rude shock the sudden death of frontline blogger and social media influencer, Miss Loisinta Vou Pwol which occurred in the early hours of today Saturday 28th August 2021.
This is great loss for the media in the State as well as to her family, friends and associates who enjoyed a robust relationship with her as she was always cheerful, kind and hardworking.
The Plateau State Government in particular enjoyed her support and collaboration as she was always willing and ready to propagate the activities of the Lalong Rescue Administration without any conditions. She believed in the vision of the Lalong administration and demonstrated uncommon patriotism to the true Plateau spirit.
Loisinta stood for truth, justice, fairness and inclusivity as she embraced people from all works of life and did her best to promote peace and stability in Plateau State through her journalistic work. She will be greatly missed .
On behalf of the Government and people of Plateau State as well as the media machinery of Government, I extend the deep commiseration of his Excellency the Governor, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong to her family and the blogging community where she served as an official of the body.
May her soul rest in peace with the Lord.
Dan Manjang Commissioner for Information and Communication, Plateau State. 28th August 2021.
Plateau Bloggers/Online Media Association Mourns Member — Vou Loisinta Pwol
The Plateau State Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA), is in mourning over the sudden passing away of its dedicated member and Treasurer – Miss Vou Loisinta Pwol, the punisher of The State of Plateau news blog on the evening of 27 Aug.
Loisinta’s unfortunate death has dealt a thoughtless blow on PLABOMA and the entire Plateau social media space. The sisterly and motherly role she played in the association, particularly as one of the thriving female reporters on the Plateau and beyond was legendary.
The late Loisinta Pwol was very humble, dutiful, jovial and a friendly colleague, who distinguished herself professionally in online media practice.
She will be forever remembered for these and more. Our deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Plateau state House of assembly on Friday strongly called on citizens of the state to practically stand up and defend themselves and their communities, as the conventional security design is no longer guaranteeing our safety as a people.
Addressing newsmen in Jos at the Nigerian Union of Journalist Press center Hon. Dasun Philip Peter, the chairman House Committee on Information said “On behalf of the Plateau State House of Assembly, I wish to sympathize with the Government and People of Plateau State on the barbaric and dastardly killings that have been taking place in different communities of Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Jos North, Jos South, Mangu, Riyom, University of Jos Community and recently that of Yelwa Zangam. The House condemns all these killings in totality, all these killings are unacceptable and condemnable. We commiserate with the families of all those who lost their love ones during these attacks.
We commend the youths on the Plateau for sustained coordinated and organized campaigns against the killings and as well the courage to make it go viral by sending strong messages to the world using the dead bodies of the mayhem on the social media and the streets of Jos; the display of the corpses in the House is a sign that they recognized the authority of the House of Assembly as an institution that can speak for the people. We greatly appreciate that action.
He said that as an assembly with people at heart, we call on Plateau State citizens to have confidence in us with renewed commitment as we have given two (2) weeks to the Governor to take action on the Resolutions the House has forwarded on security matters and how to restore peace.
The Members further added that “We call on the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, to come up with a statement defending us as a People and to bring back renewed commitment to the cause of Plateau.”
“We are still expecting with high hopes, the President to also come up with a statement about the killings in Yelwa Zangam just as he did in the killings of travelers along Rukuba Road and to also indicate a sign of justice or we will see him as being reflexive about the conflict in Plateau.”
“As an Assembly committed to the yearnings and aspirations of our people, we deeply appreciate the calls made by Plateau people, both at home and in the Diaspora, for encouragement and tasking us to do the needful in order to save Plateau and its heritage.”
We also wish to put on record that we stand with Plateau people in this trying moment and assure them of our genuine commitment to the course of Plateau State.
We also call on the Traditional Rulers to look inward and release the Local Security design to protect Plateau people as well as reinforce the Vigilante, Hunters and local wise men to defend our people. As a sign of commitment to this Urgent need for the People to protect themselves, the Plateau State House of Assembly has directed all Local Government Chairmen to suspend their planned recruitment of Adhoc Staff and instead recruit 200 Vigilante Personnel in each Local Government Area to boost and argument Local Intelligence Gathering
The Security Operatives are called upon to fish out the perpetrators of the mayhem and be punished according to the Law ,he further added .
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI (GCFR), OVER THE RECRUDESCENCE OF SECURITY CHALLENGES IN THE COUNTRY
WHY MR. PRESIDENT NEEDS TO ACT NOW!
Your Excellency;
Permit me to extend my warm regards to you and to also appreciate the Almighty God for entrusting the task of leading this great Country to you.
As enormous as this task is, Mr. President will agree with me that there are times that test the soul of every patriotic citizen to speak and to act in order to rekindle hope and douse the resurgence of pessimism.
With the current state of INSECURITY in the Nigeria and consequent worrisome loss of citizens’ lives and means of livelihood, I consider it a patriotic duty to as a responsible citizens, to offer some suggestions which I believe would not only address some of the security concerns but ease the tension in the country.
Before I proceed, let me state that I am a member of the great All Progressives Congress (APC) and I got elected in 2019 to represent the People of Pankshin/ Kanke/ Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State in the House of Representatives and by the special privilege of service, I am the chairman of the House Committee on Navy.
These I believe, equips me with the adequate impulse, status, responsibility and knowledge to speak authoritatively about the issue(s) at hand.
Your Excellency, I have consistently followed your antecedents from when you were in the Army; in service to the country during the Petroleum Trust Funds-PTF era; and when you offered to serve in providing governance in Nigeria; and I am therefore competent to speak about the excellent ways you executed your tasks in those worthy offices.
I had drawn the honest conclusion that you were indeed a man with the right experience and pedigree to steer the ship of nation building when you made the move to run for president in 2003. This endeared my support and unalloyed loyalty to you when you ran for president of Nigeria in 2003, 2007, 2011 and eventually won in 2015.
Infact I contributed a lot in 2015 and 2019 to secure your victory at the polls. As a student of history, your gallantry in the war against Mai Tatsine uprising; stance against corruption and indiscipline in Nigeria including your meticulous desire to uphold rule of law, were undoubtedly some of the most memorable good deeds that sold you to many Nigerians in 2015.
On 29th day of May 2015, you resurrected the hope and optimism of bringing back robust economic transformation devoid of Corruption and free from insecurity via your 3-Point Agenda when you spoke highly about defending and protecting the Constitution and by simple reflection, you swore to uphold the primary responsibility of Government as enshrined in Section 14(b) thus:” the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”.
You declared explicitly that equitable and efficient strategies would be adopted by all the machineries of Government to end the wanton destructions of lives and properties particularly those associated with the activities of Boko Haram which hitherto had extende beyond the North East to the North Central and other parts of Nigeria.
Indeed, and without doubt, you spoke a “language” well understood by the enemies of peace and progress and you were able to subdue them “technically.”
You worked assiduously to reinforce due process and transparency in the public service; revived a breathless railway sub sector from the transport sector; engendered agricultural revolution in key productive sectors like the Rice revolution and Potatoes value chain. You did not waste time to focus on the poor and the vulnerable Nigerians hence you introduced the social net programs focusing on conditional cash transfer schemes, the Anchor Borrower program, School Feeding Program, Safe School Initiative and so on.
But your Excellency, about six years down the line and having secured a second term mandate from Nigerians, it is heart wrenching to note that insecurity has worsened in the country leading to interrogative concerns by people such as:
What is Anti-Corruption without Security?
What is the value of food if farms are not safe for agriculture to thrive?
What is the significance of infrastructure devoid of security?
The Issue at Hand
Your Excellency, the issue of insecurity has reached a point where the current strategies being adopted by your administration have failed and are in no way adequate to guarantee safety. As it is, they can no longer hold water in a cup let alone in a basket. The gaps are becoming wider by the day with serious concerns such as the plight of many school children still in the den of captives; brazen daylight attacks on communities and travelers which have become almost unabated; the recent shameful raid on the highly fortified Nigeria Defence Academy, ( NDA) Kaduna; and the metropolitan attacks in Jos, Plateau State among others. All these have heightened fears of insecurity in Nigeria.
Mr. President, permit me to point out some of the factors I believe have been responsible for this:
(a) The recent merger of command and control of the special military Operations in Plateau State extending to parts of Kaduna state and Taraba State code named Operations Safe Haven (OSH) with the office of the General Officer Commanding 3rd Armoured Division, Rukuba, Jos; has failed to yield the desired results when compared to the successes recorded during the pre-merger period.
(b) The abysmal budgetary allocations and releases to the Armed forces and other security organizations leave less to be desired in transforming the law enforcement agencies towards becoming much more efficient and proactive in addressing insecurity challenges in the country.
(c) The poor implementation of the Community Policing component of the Police Act 2020 which I sponsored and was signed by you on the 16th day of September 2020. Questions have been raised as to where the trained civilians were deployed to. What are their current contributions to security in the communities that they serve? What has been the level of motivation for the implementation of the other components of the Act regarding responsibilities and so on?
(d) The silence towards a quick resolution of the impasse between the Police Service Commission and the Office of the Inspector General of Police concerning the recruitment of personnel has created a serious security gap.
(e) The unjust Amnesty to repentant Boko Haram fighters under Operation Safe Corridor policy even when many displaced Nigerians have not been adequately rehabilitated and reintegrated in their homeland is torturing to the psyche of many Nigerians.
On Plateau State
Your Excellency, Plateau is undoubtedly a miniature Nigeria. It is the North of the South and the South of the North. You were once in Jos as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) the 3rd Armoured Division and I have no doubt in my mind that you are aware that the serenity of the State and the peaceful nature of its people is second to none in Nigeria. The State has always been known as the Home of Peace and Tourism.
However, the resurgence of killings and mayhems that have visited the state in the last few weeks might have revealed a laxity of leadership at the center in being proactive towards addressing JUSTLY and EQUITABLY reported cases of attacks and threats to lives and properties.
It may interest your Excellency to note that I have served as Deputy Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly during which I chaired an Adhoc Committee on Peace and Security in the state with specific reference to aggressions and attacks on Riyom, Barking Ladi, Bassa, Jos North, Jos South and parts of Mangu, Langtang South and Noth and Jos East Local Government Areas of the state. Part of our recommendations then, included the need for the establishment of a Peace Building Agency; the strengthening of Operation Rainbow (the state security outfit), and the introduction of inter-religious council for the state which the Governor of Plateau state Rt Hon Simon Bako LALONG have implemented. You may recall that as part of the processes of mending fences and building peace amongst the people, His Excellency Governor Simon Bako Lalong played host to you in the state where you commissioned a Five-year road map to Peace. This initiative was no doubt impacting positively until the recent eruption of provoked violence on the people of the state. While trust, cooperation, tolerance, peace and stability across ethnic and religious divides in the state were advancing, spate of attacks largely on farming communities robbed the State of peace.
Today, the externalities of the nature of insecurity in Plateau points to the failure of Your government to deal decisively with the factors that have seemingly become indicative of rising animosity, mutual suspicion, religious fault lines and the dangerous perception of the “them” and “us” syndrome.
What are these factors and indicators? Slow response to stem the tides of attacks in local communities like Irigwe in Bassa against a quick response to selected incidences of violence by some security outfits. The non-release of a pronouncement of 10 billion naira by the Vice President during a working visit to commiserate with the people after the Gindin-Akwati, Nghar attacks on June 23rd 2018. The promise to pay the money according to the Vice President was to aid the resettlement of over 30, 000 displaced persons from the attacks.
It is thus unfortunate and unacceptable for my people and indeed the good people of Plateau State to continue to experience unprovoked recrudescent attacks on their communities.
Whereas the Governor has tried in the last six years to ensure some peace and stability and the Governor has repeatedly solicited for your kind support in logistics and actual security interventions, it behoves on me as a representative of the people to follow suit by reiterating on a general note that the current federal governments’ strategies towards addressing spate of insecurity across the country are no longer effective and have failed to deal squarely with the challenges of banditry, kidnapping and other forms of insecurity.
To this end, only a quick response may avert a calamity capable of throwing the entire nation into unrest. With particular reference to Plateau State, it should even be quicker given the miniature nature of Plateau State. And God forbid that this is allowed to spiral out of control.
Conclusion and Recommendations
22 It will amount to whipping sentiments and only taking the “Donkey to the River and denying it the right to drink water” if I do not draw your Excellency’s attention to what need to be done to address insecurity and particularly restore peace to the people of Plateau State and to also engender confidence in your leadership and ultimately safeguard lives and properties.
But let me reiterate here that His Excellency, Governor Simon Lalong has for the six years he has been in office, been up and doing and has succeeded to a very large extent to ensure peace and security in the three geopolitical zones of the state. But as one cannot clap with one hand, these efforts can be complemented for sustainable peace and tranquillity if the following are put in place:
(i) The parliamentary resolutions on the floor of the House of Representatives on issues of Security vis-a- vis the recommendations of the security summit organized by the RT. Hon. Femi Gbajiamila led 9th House of Representatives, should be implemented. It is my strong belief or instance, that if the Executive had taken the issue of fishing out betrayers in the Armed forces as recommended by the House seriously, the attack on NDA Kaduna might have been averted.
(ii) The Federal Government should without hesitation, release the N10 billion it promised the Plateau State Government to aid the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) so that persons affected by the various crises can return to their communities and pick up the pieces of their lives.
(iii) The DSS, the Police, and the NIA all have the capacity to engineer a robust actionable intelligence gathering and utilization thereby preventing both internal and external aggressions against Nigerian citizens. Stepping up their responsibilities by imposing regular supervisory mechanisms would ensure their efficiency. Failures in combating insecurity through professional negligence should be dealt with accordingly. Infact, at this critical time, excuses for failure should not be tolerated. This will send a very strong signal to the operatives to sit up.
(iv) The erstwhile office of the Commandant of Operation Safe Haven should be restored separate from the GOC 3rd Armoured Division, Jos. This can create a sense of rapid response devoid of any military bureaucratic interference in responding to emergencies on Security.
(v) Any serving official of the Federal Government that has been previously investigated and or fingered in the past or present in any associated dealings with any group considered to be a threat to peace and security of Nigeria should be relieved of such responsibilities. This can create confidence in the citizens to believe and support the government in fighting insecurity.
(vi) Collaboration amongst security agents should be deepened in areas of intelligence sharing and joint operations. There is also a need for strengthening of ties between state owned security outfits with the conventional security agents in the country. This has the potential to build a virile synergy in addressing problems of frustration during investigations for prosecutions of suspects.
(vii) There is need for a harmonious reconsideration of the various recommendations contained in the previous Reports of inquiries conducted by Federal Governments’ Commissions since 2001 crises in Plateau State. Significant areas of the recommendations that could assist towards addressing deep seated animosities among the people should be implemented while those that have been overtaken by events or could further add to the security problem should be discarded.
(viii) A National Peace Building Agency that can inter-alia facilitate and coordinate peace building processes should be established. To this end, I am ready and I will sponsor a Bill to this effect.
(ix) Increase funding for security agents and investment in technology and training would contribute significantly in boosting the capability of Frontline men and officers to deal decisively with crime and criminality.
(x) The issue of grazing routes and grazing reserve should be handled with caution. States that have earlier indicated interest in the National Livestock Transformation Plan and Ranching should be supported while subsidy on livestock should equally be considered.
(Xi) There is urgent need for the deployment of sufficient relief materials to the communities affected by the unfortunate crises and attacks. On my part I am undertaking a visit to all the affected communities to commiserate with and donate some relief materials to them.
(xii) There’s also the need to caution citizens against politicising the recent security threats. I strongly object to the attempt by political jobbers to use the unfortunate incidence to further their political nests by sponsoring all campaigns of calumny against His Excellency Governor Simon Lalong who has done much to restore and maintain peace of the Plateau for the six years he has been in office.
(xiii) More so, I recommend strong collaborations between Federal and State Governments to create jobs, empower youths for self-employment, check unregistered migrants, encourage agriculture, transform local government systems to work effectively and facilitate negotiation for a better Nigeria.
May I at this juncture say that the task of re-building a better Nigeria rests on all of us. But Mr. President, you must show leadership that can drive all of Nigerians towards believing in an indivisible and united country; a land of opportunities; a just and egalitarian society where justice, equity and fair play are the hallmarks.
Let’s not give up on Nigeria & God bless Nigeria.
Accept the assurance of my esteemed regards.
Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi.
Chairman House Committee on Navy AND Member House of Representatives for Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State.
AFIZERE,ANAGUTA AND BEROM YOUTH (AFIANABER) JOS NORTH LGA TALKS TOUGH ON PLATEAU KILLINGS
PRESS STATEMENT
THE GENOCIDE IN JOS NORTH AND THE URGENT NEED FOR SELF DEFENCE.
BY THE AFIZERE,ANAGUTA AND BEROM YOUTH (AFIANABER) JOS NORTH LGA.
We, the three indigenous Ethnic groups of Jos North LGA, that’s the Afizere,Angatu and Berom.wish to categorically rise against the killings, maiming and massacring of innocent of our brothers and sisters in cold blood within Jos and it’s environs.
We frown at this heinous act of killing innocent citizens regardless of their faiths and where they come from. Within the period of two weeks alone,over one hundred people loss their lives in Jos North LGA ranging from Attacks and counter attacks.
The Recent skirmishes resulted to the killing of innocent people including the students of the University of Jos.
The Major constitutional responsibility of Government at all levels is to Secure the lives and property of her citizens,but with the killings in Dong and Yesterday’s attack and killing of over 36 innocent people in Yalwa Zangam. Government have not been able to secure her citizens.
We want to state it clearly with equivocation that,these attacks,mowing of crops,land grabbing in Jos North,is being perpetrated by the suspected Fulani Bandits who graze their cattles on our crops, forceful seizure of our lands and subsequently launch attacks. Just Yesterday,over thirty six people were massacred by these marauders in Yalwa Zangam and the brutal way they carried this heinous act,a bridge was destroyed in order to hinder securities access to rescue the community. In this sad development,we are calling on our people to rise and defend themselves within the tenets of law,before we will all perish from the hands of the attackers. All communities should intensify efforts and rijig Community police,hunters and vigilantes. They should be properly equip to carry their duties effectively as well as gather enough intelligence to prevent further unprovoked attacks. To our greatest consternation, instead of Government to send adequate Security agents to the affected areas,Soldiers and other securities were sent to Angwan Rukuba to molest innocent citizens. We call on the Federal and Plateau state Government to beef up Security around Bauchi Junction, University of Jos,TT and T Junction,Kunga,Gidan Mai Jegap and other volatile areas to forestall other occurrence.Secondly, Relief Materials should be send to the victims and Community of Yalwa Zangam. Thirdly,The Victims of the Attacked or their families be compensated,those injured and receiving medical treatments, Government should pay their medical bills.All the burnt houses and the bridge be reconstructed. The perpetrators should be arrested and prosecuted.
Jama’atu Nasril Islam Plateau State, under the leadership of His Royal Highness the Emir of Wase, Alhaji Muhammad Sambo Haruna, is disturbed by yet another round of gory killings of citizens in Jos north local government area, this time in Yelwa Zangam.
Coming barely eleven days after that of Rukuba road in which twenty eight (28) innocent Muslim travellers lost their lives, this round of bloodshed is upsetting and like other ones, condemnable.
We are disturbed at not only the wanton killings, but the alarming figures are frightening and depicts high levels of callousness, inhumanity and barbarism. We extend our sympathies and condolences to all those who lost loved ones and pray for God to give them the fortitude to bear the loses.
WORD OF CAUTION.
Upon the occurrence of the Rukuba road killings, the JNI quickly mobilized its team of officials with the following amongst its mandate.
a. Mobilise support for the security agencies to restore law and order and rescue of victims;
b. Appeal for calm among the Muslim ummah and prevent escalation of violence in other parts of the city.
The task was achieved successfully with remarkable speed, through cooperation and collaboration with relevant bodies, most especially the state government and the security agencies, and in particular, leaders of the Muslim ummah.
However, we wish to condemn recent public statements from some religious bodies, especially the TEKAN group of CAN, casting aspersions on the person of the GOC 3Div, Maj Gen IS Ali, who also doubles as Commander OPSH, and the call for his removal. We see this as diversionary and a desire to take us back to the days of needless confrontation along faith lines, with the attendant consequences to the ultimate goal of attaining piece. We therefore reject such calls and appeal to TEKAN to avoid confrontation and embrace the path of peace.
We need to remind TEKAN that we had lived with non muslim security heads in the state for long and therefore do not see the appointment of a muslim GOC as a threat to peace in Plateau.
In the same manner, the JNI will not cease to appeal for caution and moderation by all leaders, faith leaders in particular, in this trying times we are passing through.
Utterances capable of inciting the people to take up arms under the guise of defending themselves will only lead to lawlessness and further bloodshed. This should be avoided at all costs.
Faith leaders should endeavor to sustain the bridges of understanding built by our worthy predecessors, some of whom had gone to the great beyond, through understanding and collaboration, the fruit of which we are enjoying now; which some evil minded ones are trying to undo.
We should remain focused and resilient in our determination to sustain and leave a legacy of peace for the benefit of our posterity.
JNI remains committed to partner with government and other critical stakeholders in the search for enduring peace in Plateau in particular and Nigeria as a whole.
Sani Mudi State Publicity Secretary Jama’atu Nasril Islam JNI Plateau State.
Freelance Reporters 