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Tag: Plateau crisis

  • Why Plateau crisis demands more than military might

    Why Plateau crisis demands more than military might

    Despite decades of attacks and growing security deployments, lasting peace in Plateau State remains elusive. This report by CORRESPONDENT KOLADE ADEYEMI explores the spiritual, political, and human dimensions behind the bloodshed—and the need for a holistic solution

    The screaming began just after midnight. Mama Saratu had barely laid her baby down when the first gunshot shattered the silence in their village of Kwahaslalek, Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA). “They came like shadows,” she recalled, her voice quivering. “You couldn’t see them—but you could hear death.”

    Clutching her four-month-old and dragging her six-year-old daughter by the arm, she sprinted barefoot into the nearby bush, her wrapper tangled in the thorns. Behind her, flames swallowed the only home she had ever known. When she returned at dawn, the bodies of her husband and two brothers lay motionless among the ruins.

    “They didn’t take anything—just lives,” she whispered. “What kind of enemy kills without a face?”

    Mama Saratu is one of the hundreds of survivors in Plateau State haunted by invisible enemies—killers who come in the dark, without warning, and leave behind silence, ashes, and unanswered questions.

    A cycle of violence

    The recent attacks on several communities in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, despite their proximity to Third Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army, have raised concerns about the enormity of the security challenges facing the country. The Bassa raid by armed militants claimed the lives of 51 residents. It is coming less than two weeks after a similar one in Bokkos LGA, where 52 people were killed. 

    A few days ago, Plateau indigenes in diaspora voiced their frustrations over the continuous killing and maiming of women and children intermittently. Dr. Bartholomew Shepkong, the National President of Plateau State Association USA, Inc., expressed sorrow over the recent killings.

    Dr Shepkong described the incident as “horrific and inhumane attacks” that have once again claimed the lives of innocent citizens in Plateau. The US-based Plateau indigenes have called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to respond to the killing of innocent souls in the state with urgency, leadership and political will.

    However, indications are that the struggle in Plateau isn’t just a matter of territorial clashes — it’s an asymmetric, identity-driven conflict with invisible actors and unpredictable timelines. This makes it incredibly hard to contain conventional military strategies alone. Tens of thousands of Plateau indigenes have been forced into the mass grave within the last 20 years.

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    Security experts have described the ongoing conflict in Plateau State as an unconventional war. Plateau’s geography provides attackers with easy escape routes, making it hard to track and stop them.  Unfortunately, authorities in Plateau do not know who the enemies are, where they are and what is fueling the crisis — making it impossible to develop a defensive mechanism against invasion.

    Governors from Joshua Dariye to incumbent Caleb Mutfwang have all faced the same brick wall — a war they didn’t start and seemingly can’t end. The office of the governor, constitutionally a chief security officer, is left toothless without actual control over security architecture.

    Turning to faith

    With the failure of the military approach, residents are increasingly opting for a spiritual solution, as was the case during the conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines in biblical days. The Philistines, led by Goliath, kept invading the Israelites, killing thousands of Israelites. Then David emerged from among the Israelites who saw to the end of Goliath’s torment of Israel and the freedom of the people of Israel.

    However, can a David be found in modern-day life? The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) believes it is possible. Last Sunday, ECWA President, Dr. Job Ayuba Baggat, rolled out the spiritual option to stop the attacks and killings.

    Dr Baggat urged his members worldwide to begin to pray. He said, “I urge all members of ECWA and our friends in the broader community to come together in prayer and action. We must engage in meaningful dialogue to foster reconciliation and healing. Let us support those who are suffering by providing them with material aid and emotional support as they navigate this difficult time.

    “As we move forward, let us remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 5:43-48, which admonish us to be beacons of hope and love in times of darkness. As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, and together we can help rebuild trust and understanding in the wake of this excruciating pain.

    “Let us mobilise our faith to dismantle the ideologies of fear, and instead, become champions of love and compassion. In the face of adversity, we must rise as one community, committed to ensuring that such acts of terror are met with resolve, solidarity, and a dedication to the values we uphold.”

    Indeed, Plateau has never departed from the spiritual option to its challenges. At a point in the wake of the killings, the state government has erected a Church in the Government House, Jos, for constant prayers and fasting, all for the state to overcome its enemies.

    While faith remains a pillar for many, the scars of political paralysis run just as deep. This is because the security challenge is not a conventional one. A Jos-based human rights activist and former commissioner in the Jonah Jang administration, Nankin Bagudu, said that since the crisis began about 20 years ago, all previous governors, as the chief executive officer of the state, have been blamed for their inability to provide solutions to this unconventional war. “It is now the turn of Caleb Mutfwang,” he said.

    The resort to a spiritual solution did not begin today. In December 2021, former Governor Jonah Jang formally dedicated a monument, which is now known as “The Ten Commandments”, to tackle the Plateau crisis. It is a significant religious and cultural landmark established at the heart of Jos, where men of God and political leaders across the country can assemble to pray, praise and worship God every year.

    A gathering of hope

    The 2024 edition was prolific and prophetic. Most people left the centre with the conviction that Plateau had conquered her enemies. The spiritual activities at the 10 Commandments in December 2024 were described as a historic move to promote peace, unity, and safeguard Plateau State’s divine heritage.

    The first Plateau Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival was flagged off by Governor Mutfwang. The event, held at the Ten Commandments Prayer Altar in Doi, Jos South Local Government Area, witnessed a convergence of distinguished personalities, including former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Minister for Information and Culture Prof Jerry Ghana and several others.

    Together with other indigenes, they joined in heartfelt praise and worship to thank God for the peace and progress being restored in the state. During the interdenominational gathering, Governor Mutfwang described the festival as a significant step towards the unity and prophetic destiny of Plateau State.

    He said, “The Plateau Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival is a journey to unity, progress, and the fulfilment of Plateau’s divine destiny. For too long, we have fought many battles, both internal and external, but the time has come—and the time is now—to unite as a people. God has blessed this land abundantly, and it is our collective responsibility to harness these blessings for the greater good.”

    He further emphasised the state’s immense potential. He said, “Plateau is a land of blessing—fertile, resource-rich, and strategically positioned by God. By His grace, the Plateau State will rise as a beacon of hope and prosperity, fulfilling its destiny as a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden.”

    Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), commended the initiative and expressed gratitude for the Governor’s commitment to promoting peace and unity. Reflecting on the state’s turbulent past, Gen Gowon noted, “Plateau has endured many challenges, but under Governor Mutfwang’s leadership, the state is experiencing recovery and healing. This gathering is a testament to our desire to worship God and seek His intervention for peace in Plateau, Nigeria, and beyond.” Former Minister of Information and Communication, Prof. Jerry Gana, hailed the initiative as divinely inspired, emphasising that God was pleased with the multitude of souls gathered to praise Him.

    Guns still speak

    The prayers rise like smoke above the Ten Commandments monument, but down in the valleys, the guns still speak. Just when everyone thought they had prayed enough and settled down to enjoy a season of peace, five months later, the enemies came again in that deadly attack in Bokkos and Bassa LGA, respectively, resulting in the deaths of over 100 citizens. These latest killings left everyone disappointed and disillusioned.

    Rev Richard Enemakwu of United Evangelical Church (UEC) Jos said, “Spiritually, Plateau is not lacking in prayers. As a member of the body of Christ nationwide, no Sunday passes without prayers for Plateau State. We pray for the peace of the land, and we pray for the prosperity of the land. After all, our God mandated us to pray for the land because we dwell on the land”.

    Rev Enemakwu said the challenges of Plateau State are not beyond God. His words: “Nothing is impossible with our God. We must follow the word of God by continuing to pray until God answers our prayers. And very soon, God will deliver His divine solution. I can assure you, the Egyptians you see today, you may never see them again.”

    While all hopes lie in God’s Divine solution, the human solution has not been jettisoned or taken for granted. Following the recent attacks in Mangu, Bokkos and Bassa, the security chiefs have taken tougher steps by launching a manhunt for the killers. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, ordered an extended aerial patrol across rural communities, using the police operational helicopter, newly deployed after the recent attacks..

    The IGP also ordered the deployment of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) Unit to the scene. He has also deployed additional personnel from the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), Armoured Tanks, and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCS) to address the security challenges in the State.  

    The Nigerian Army had also taken a special interest in the state’s internal security. Provoked by the recent attacks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Oyinlola, expressed dissatisfaction with the security situation in Plateau State, especially in Bassa, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas.  

    He convened a security meeting, saying the state can no longer afford to continue down the destructive path. Gen Oyinlola said, “In the current situation in Plateau State, silence is complicity and inaction is very dangerous.  When leaders fail to lead decisively against violence, they enable it. 

    “When they fail to hold people accountable, they embolden criminal elements. I must therefore call out this failure, not out of malice but out of solemn obligation to awaken your collective consciousness. The recent spate of attacks in Bokkos, Mangu and Bassa Local Government Areas has led to loss of lives and property.

    “The cycle of attacks and reprisals has become a self-sustaining engine fuelled by ethnic mistrust, religious animosity and historical grievances.”  

    Despite the killings, the Nigerian security forces can still be trusted. The service chiefs are heading the ground forces, while God is directing the divine forces. If the military can clear the Sambisa forest and rout out agents of insurgency, then the same Nigerian military will certainly clear Plateau communities of these gun-wielding killers and land grabbers.

    New Davids rising

    The shadows are still very much around for Bassa and Bokkos LGA residents. However, somewhere across the valleys of Plateau, new Davids are rising—armed not with slings, but with faith, strategy, and unshakable resolve.

  • Tinubu asks Plateau to confront ethno-religious crisis behind killings

    Tinubu asks Plateau to confront ethno-religious crisis behind killings

    • 51 killed in another attacks on communities

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday urged Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to take decisive steps in addressing the root causes of the persistent communal violence plaguing the state.

    The President’s call came amid fresh reports of deadly clashes in several Plateau communities.

    For over one and a half hours from midnight Sunday, militias killed 51 people in Irigwe, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, leaving more than 10 severely injured.

    Many houses and properties were razed by the marauders.

    President Tinubu said he has directed security agencies to conduct thorough investigations into the latest wave of attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.

    Over 40 people were also reportedly killed in the Zike community in the Kwall council area in the wee hours of yesterday.

    The latest attacks followed the killing of over 52 persons in several villages in Bokkos earlier in the month.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said: “The ongoing violence between communities in Plateau State, rooted in misunderstandings between different ethnic and religious groups, must cease.

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    “I have instructed security agencies to thoroughly investigate this crisis and identify those responsible for orchestrating these violent acts.

    “We cannot allow this devastation and the tit-for-tat attacks to continue. Enough is enough.

    “Beyond dealing with the criminal elements of these incessant killings, the political leadership in Plateau State, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, must address the root cause of this age-long problem.

    “These problems have been with us for more than two decades. We can no longer ignore the underlying issues.

    “It is time to tackle them fairly and find a lasting solution.

    “I have discussed these problems with the governor over time and offered suggestions for lasting peace.

    “The Federal Government remains committed to supporting Governor Mutfwang and the Plateau State government in promoting dialogue, fostering social cohesion, and ensuring accountability—crucial steps towards permanently resolving the conflict in Plateau.”

    National Publicity Secretary Irigwe Youth Movement, Joseph Yonkpa, said in a statement: “Almost 100 people have been killed since December, with unquantifiable destruction of crops and properties.

    “We are crying out for help from the government, non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, and spirited individuals to not only condemn the situation but join us in demanding justice for all our slain brothers whose lives have been cut short.”

    Mutfwang: attacks heinous

    Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the attacks on Zike and Kimakpa communities in Bassa Local Government Area as heinous.

    Speaking after a security council meeting in Jos, he expressed deep sympathy with the people of Zike and Kimakpa, as well as other affected communities.

    Describing the attacks as “heinous, unacceptable, and a threat to the peace and unity of Plateau State,” he called on all citizens of goodwill to speak out against the violence and stand in solidarity with affected communities.

    The governor said: “We received detailed briefings from security heads on what transpired.

    “Efforts are ongoing to establish the full facts and motivations behind the attack, so we can address the situation decisively.

    “The area is currently calm, and we have appealed for restraint from the affected communities, especially the youth, who have so far responded positively to our plea.

    “Far-reaching decisions have been taken to forestall further attacks.

    “While some of these measures will be announced tomorrow (today), I want to reassure the people of Plateau that we are fully in control and will stop at nothing to secure lives and property.”

    Calling for support, he added: “We urge our people across the state to report any suspicious activity or information, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

    “We guarantee the confidentiality of our sources because, without credible intelligence, our response capacity is limited.

    “By God’s grace, we are determined to improve intelligence gathering and strengthen our overall security response.”

    End killings, Obi, Atukum urge govt

    A former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, who visited the state, condoled with the victims.

    He said: “Nigeria is not at war, yet innocent citizens are being displaced from their ancestral homes. We have no justification as a nation to be enduring this.

    “People must be able to live in peace, farm their land, and feel secure. This is the most basic responsibility of any government.”

    Obi donated N10 million to the OLA Hospital School of Nursing in Jos, encouraging the institution to continue producing professionals who add value to the nation.

    He also visited and offered support to internally displaced persons from the Bokkos attacks, currently sheltered at St. Thomas Apostle Catholic Church, Bokkos.

    A former military governor of Plateau State, Rear Admiral Bitrus Atukum (rtd) called for a lasting solution to the killings.

    Atukum, who administered the state from 1984 to 1985, said: “These attacks are majorly aimed at land grabbing and ensuring that the people of Plateau remain hungry and poor.

    “The attackers have been using the same pattern; attack, kill, chase people away and later on take over their houses and lands.

    “In the past, they deceived us with harder-farmer clashes, but how can you have a clash in somebody’s bedroom? These people go into people’s bedrooms in the villages.

    “These people come down from the hills, commit havoc and disappear, and that is where they hide their weapons.

    “So, I call on the President to order the Army to go and fish them out from their hiding places. That’s the only way to end these mindless killings in our communities,” he said.

    Troops free 16 kidnapped passengers

    Troops of the 3 Division Nigerian Army and Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) rescued 16 passengers kidnapped along the Jos-Mangu road in Plateau State.

    A statement by Major Samson Zhakom said: “The rescue operation began when troops conducting Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A discovered an empty vehicle abandoned by the roadside at Mararaban Kantoma in Mangu Local Government Area of the State at about 9pm local time on 13 April 2025.

    “The troops immediately searched the nearby bushes to trace the occupants of the vehicle suspected to have been kidnapped.

    “The kidnappers, on sighting the troops opened fire, but the troops overwhelmed the criminals with superior firepower forcing them to abandon the victims and flee.

    “Troops exploited the general area and rescued all 16 abducted passengers which included six children.

    “Troops administered first aid to some of the rescued victims who sustained minor injuries during the incident. Thereafter, troops escorted the victims to safety to continue their journey to Jos Metropolis.”

    Troops are on the lookout for the fleeing kidnappers suspected to have sustained gunshot wounds during the shootout.

  • Plateau crisis: Military remains neutral, professional, says DHQ

    Plateau crisis: Military remains neutral, professional, says DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters says the military would continue to remain neutral but professional in its operations to address the security challenges in Mangu and other areas of Plateau state.

    It said its troops would continue to carry out their duties professionally and by the rules of engagement.

    The military high command said this in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau on Thursday, January 25.

    The statement is coming against the backdrop of a video made by the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Mangu Chapter, Reverend Timothy Daluk.

    In the video, which was widely circulated on social media, Daluk claimed that the military was biased and supported a particular group against others.

    The Nation recalled that a crisis erupted in the Mangu Municipal Area of Plateau State, recalling that on January 23, resulting in the State government declaring a 24-hour curfew.

    But the military described the accusations in the video as “baseless and untrue accusations,” which it said were aimed “to malign military personnel deployed to address the security challenges in the Mangu general area.”

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    It said: “We categorically state that these accusations hold no truth, are malicious, and lack any reasonable foundation.

    “It is important to recall that on 23 January 2024, there was a breach of security in the Mangu municipal area, resulting in the Government of Plateau State declaring a 24-hour curfew.

    “Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN were reinforced in Mangu to enforce the curfew and bring the situation under control, thereby preventing its spread to other areas.

    “The troops have carried out their duties professionally and in accordance with the rules of engagement. They have successfully arrested criminals involved in looting and burning of properties, as well as recovered weapons.

     “It is deeply disturbing that a religious leader, who is expected to demonstrate high levels of moral judgment and truthfulness, has resorted to spreading falsehoods about the military and its personnel. We want to reiterate that the military remains neutral, focused, professional and committed to its constitutional role of protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens. We will deal with anybody found disobeying the law, without bias or prejudice.”

    The military urged the public to continue to support the ongoing military operations in Plateau State and other parts of the country.

    It said the operations were aimed at decimating non-state actors operating in the troubled areas of Plateau state.

    “We will not be distracted by baseless accusations and remain steadfast in our commitment to restoring peace and security. We strongly caution individuals involved in making malicious comments against the military to cease such acts.

    “Henceforth, any person found spreading falsehoods will face constitutional redress, regardless of their status in society,” the military said.

  • Nigeria in 2024

    Nigeria in 2024

    The curtain has fallen on 2023 and we’ve welcomed 2024 with all our hearts. For some, dreams have been realised. For others, dreams have been dashed and all hope is on the New Year. 

    For the people of Plateau State, the year ended on a sour note. Over 100 lives were cut short by fellows I prefer to call vampires. The Plateau crisis has lingered too long, and 2024 should be a good time to return this state to the lovely city it used to be. Tourists used to troop there. Foreigners loved it because of its temperate weather. 

    In 2023, the woes weren’t limited to the Plateau. In varying ways, other Nigerians had their fair share because Naira went down against major currencies, fuel became more expensive and the economy, generally, was down. 

    So, for Nigeria, the new year is not ordinary. It is a year they look forward to succour.

    Last year, we chose a new president to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari. We were presented with multitude of choices, many of them jokers who knew they couldn’t win even their polling units. Bola Ahmed Tinubu got the highest votes, and disputes over the winner were eventually settled by the Supreme Court. 

    Our president hasn’t been playing in Aso Rock but the challenges are enormous and it looks like nothing is being done. I doubt if there is anyone who honestly can say he or she is not troubled by the state of our nation. There is discontentment in the land. Some have even predicted a bleaker future if something drastic is not done. The economy is struggling, and security challenges are refusing to give way.

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    No time but now that we are in a new year is appropriate for us to search our souls. I have searched mine and I believe, instead of lamentation and whining about our circumstances, we should let those leading our nation know the kind of nation we want.

    We should reject a nation where ethnicity thrumps excellence. I worry for our nation when ethnicity rears its head; I cry inward when the issue of who is an indigene insists on taking the front row; and I wonder why I cannot be an indigene of anywhere I choose to live in Nigeria. I also believe I should be able to change my indigene status when I move elsewhere in the country.

    Insecurity is an enemy we should defeat. The dreaded Boko Haram sect and other terrors are still on the rampage. 

    In 2024, unemployment should reduce. Many out there are looking for jobs that are not available. 

    Healthcare needs surgical improvement. Not a few have died this week all because what we call medical centres are consulting rooms that they have been since the military era. Even the private clinics where we pay through our noses cannot compete outside of our shores. Our leaders have been callous in the management of our resources. Past error is no excuse for the current government not to change our fortunes like it promised.

    There is nothing wrong with migration but irregular migration is something else. It scares me that Nigerians migrate through the Sahara desert, a development which is akin to walking with eyes open into enslavement. Many of the men and women who take this route are educated but hopeless.

    The way to help Nigeria this year is to work towards righting the wrongs of the past. We must make nepotism a thing of the past. We should ensure no Nigerian feels left out because of which part of the country he or she comes from, and we should end this era of epileptic supply of electricity. I will be glad that day when our electricity generating sets will only be useful for picnics at beaches and such places where temporary source of power is required.

    The National Assembly should truly legislate in the interest of the people and not out of any pecuniary interest. I am sick and tired of the current situation where everything but national interest seems to take the first position.

    We should get our schools to compete with others in the advanced world. We should should take Nigeria out of the Third World. What is wrong with being a First World?

    We should deliver a Nigeria where we can reap from medical tourism instead of the current situation where we are the major loser to this trend.

    We should make our economy so robust that we can hold our head high anywhere in the world and our green passport will command respect and not scorn.

    We deserve a Nigeria where oil takes the back seat and agriculture and tourism take the front seat and contribute more to our foreign exchange earnings and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 

    We are overripe for a vibrant tourism sector. We should permanently solve the power challenge. We should defeat the terrorists and make the country a no-go-area for bandits.

    My final take: Nigeria in 2024 should be a place where we sing new songs, not songs of sorrow, not songs of despair, but songs of joy, songs of a country which experiences orgasm at old age and hold on to it forever! That is the way Nigeria deserves in 2024 and all of us, the leaders and the led, have roles in achieving this and we should play our roles.

    Happy New Year to you for following me all through 2023. Thank you. Let’s do it again in 2024. May God bless you and cause His favours to rain on you. Have fun this season! 

  • Plateau crisis: 14 victims given mass burial

    The 14 victims of Wednesday attack in Jol, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, have been given a mass burial.

    The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Riyom council, Emmanuel Danboyi Jugu, confirmed that the victims were buried yesterday morning according to Christian burial rites.

    The victims include five women, four children and six men.

    Governor Simon Lalong yesterday held an emergency security meeting in the Government House in Rayfield, Jos.

    The meeting was particularly for stakeholders of Jos North, Jos South, Riyom and Bassa councils.

     

    Note: The picture is for illustration

     

  • Minister condemns Plateau Crisis, reiterates call for State of Emergency

    The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Solomon Dalung, on Wednesday condemned the renewed killing of innocent citizens in parts of Plateau, and reiterated the call for the declaration of a state of emergency in the area.

    Dalung told State House correspondents in Abuja that the resurgence of killings in the state was shameful.

    According to him, the declaration of a state of emergency in the area will put a stop to the unwarranted killing of people.

    The minister, who is an indigene of Plateau, however, said that when imposed, state of emergency should not involve the disruption of the democratic structure in the state.

    “I’m not happy with the resurfacing of killing in Jos considering the fact that I personally played a major role in the restoration of relative peace in the state.

    “Gov. Simon Lalong as the leader of the people must summon joint security meeting involving all stakeholders in the state to deliberate on the current insecurity in Plateau state.

    “It is also imperative for President Buhari to immediate declare state of emergency by way of deploying military personnel to the troubled local government areas in the state to check the unfortunate incident,’’ he said.

    He frowned at those apportioning blame on the federal government over the persistent crisis in the Plateau, saying that President Buhari had taken various security measures aimed at addressing the problem.

    The minister, therefore, against politicizing the killing of innocent Nigerians as the federal government was doing all it could to bring the perpetrators of the heinous crime to book.

    He added that Nigeria needed peace and stability for the country to progress and achieve meaningful development.

    Dalung, who narrated the achievements of the Buhari administration in the past  three years, expressed optimism that the President, the sole presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), would record landslide victory in the  2019 election.

    He said that President Buhari’s major fault which had continued to attract criticism from his opponents was his ability to expose wrong doings in all spheres of the nation’s socio-economic sector. (NAN)

  • Plateau crises deliberately planned with political, religious mindset – JNI

    The apex Islamic body in the north, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has raised alarm that, the recent crisis in Plateau state that led to the killing of scores of residents and motorists was deliberately planned and orchestrated with political and religious mindset.

    JNI, while lamenting the devastating effect of the crisis especially on innocent passers-by, after three years of peaceful and harmonious coexistence among the people of the state, decried the return to the “black-dark days of bloodbath”.

    In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu and made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Thursday called on security agencies to immediately fish out the culprits of the dastardly acts for punitive measure to be meted to them.

    The religious body however urged Federal and state governments to immediately rehabilitate the Saminaka-Jos road to create alternative routes for motorists and to establish intelligence strike forces along the Abuja – North east route to safeguard motorists passing by in case of another crisis.

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    According to JNI, “It is very demoralizing after experiencing three solid years of success stories of harmonious coexistence between the citizenry on the Plateau to have woken up back to the black-dark days of bloodbath of the past.

    “After critical and careful perusal of the sad and painful happenings of the recent horrific carnage on the Plateau, JNI national headquarters observed with dismay that the most recent attacks on the Plateau were well orchestrated with political and religious mindset.

    “Despite the fact that in the past three years, there has been success stories of peaceful coexistence between the inhabitants of Plateau state. It is disheartening that once again, human life does not matter to some disgruntled elements within the nation.

    “Aren’t we making ourselves a laughing stock before the comity of nations? Why must we allow ourselves to be used by miscreants and senseless politicians at all cost? As a matter of fact, the dastardly acts went on for some days unabated and why?

    “It is with utmost concern and sorrow that the JNI condemn in-toto such dastardly acts and calls on security agencies to intensify efforts in fishing out the culprits. We call on the Federal, Kaduna and Plateau state governments to as a matter of utmost urgency rehabilitate the Saminaka – Jos Road, as Muslims and other innocent passersby are no longer safe plying the Southern Kaduna to Jos Road, as well as the Abuja North-East routes through Plateau state.

    “An intelligence strike force unit should be mounted at the Southern Kaduna – Jos, and the Abuja to North-East routes through Plateau state, for the safety of those who don’t have any choice but to ply same road. This is because most victims of the recent carnage are innocent Abuja to North-East travelers through Plateau state. We also advise that serious security measures should be taken on all the identified villages that have been notorious in causing distress to motorists, particularly in Kaduna and Plateau states.

    “If perchance crisis erupts on the Plateau and/or Kaduna state, Muslims are always the soft targets on the Southern Kaduna Road to Jos. The Plateau state under the present leadership is trying it’s best to share the state resources in equity and justice. But the bad ones are busy trying to make things difficult and inaccessible to the poor in order to frustrate the state and federal government.

    Plateau state has appreciated positively. It is this development that is being envied by the enemies within and outside Plateau state. The developments in terms of agricultural, human and land resources have seemingly progressed. We call on all to propagate the mission of peace, tranquility, humility and humbleness, for no one has the right of living over and above the other citizens in Nigeria. Moreover, we cannot be humans without humanity,” the JNI scribe added.

     

  • Police, STF confirm 16 die in Plateau attack

    The Plateau State Police Command and the Special Task Force (STF) on Tuesday confirmed 16 persons dead in Monday attack on Shonong Village in Riyom Local Government Area of the state.

    The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chris Olakpe, who addressed journalists in Jos, said that nine dead bodies were recovered from the scene while seven others were burnt beyond recognition.

    “The figure we have at the police level is nine persons dead bodies that have been collected and deposited in mortuary; seven other bodies charred beyond recognition that have also been packaged for burial.

    “About 20 houses were razed down,’’ he said.

    Olakpe said the number of persons injured in the attack was still being collated.

    He said the attack would have been more devastating if not for the prompt intervention of the combined efforts of the police and men of the STF who repelled it.

    He said that no arrest had been made but assured that the police had spread its dragnet on Kaduna axis to ensure that the criminals were arrested.

    The commissioner assured that the state command was collaborating with the Kaduna State Police Command to arrest the attackers.

    According to him, the command was devising new strategies to check the spate of attacks in rural communities in Plateau.

    “We are going to take some strategic actions to ensure that more movement of the policemen to the hinterland will be effected as early as possible.

    “We are going to bring out new partnership with traditional rulers in particular, so that they will be part and parcel of the security apparatus.

    “So, we can talk with them and whenever they see people who come into their communities, they will be able to tell us who those characters are.

    “We are going to partner more deeply with the traditional rulers and the youth of the communities so that we will be able to fish out the miscreants,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria quoted Olakpe as saying to journalists on Tuesday.

    The Commissioner appealed to the people to report to any security agent any suspicious characters within their communities.

    The STF in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Capt. Salisu Mustapha, also confirmed nine dead bodies, seven charred bodies and five injured.

    The statement said the injured persons were taken to Vom Christian Hospital.