By Thompson Yamput
The rising attacks in rural communities of the once peaceful, homely, and hospitable Plateau call for urgent, strategic, and lasting solutions.
The carnages, pains, and sorrows brought upon the peaceful and loving people of Plateau demand drastic action and measures to put a stop.
It’s on record that several communities in Riyom, Barkin-Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu, Bassa, Wase, Kanam Local Government Areas (LGAs) have been dislodged by Fulani militias, who have taken over those communities, including their farmlands and other natural resources.
Many innocent lives, including children and women, have been lost to the attacks on the people by supposed enemies of the state, for reasons best known to them.
For instance, it’s alarming and worrisome, so deadly and destructive, the unexpected callous Easter Sunday evening attack on Angwan Rukuba community, Jos.
In that dastardly attack, many were killed without a trace of any of the attackers. Similarly, there were pockets of attacks and mayhem in Kanam, Heipang, and Bokkos recently, too.That’s why the recent meeting Gov. Caleb Mutfwang held with living former governors of Plateau on the insecurity challenges of the state is apt, germane, and timely.
The meeting, held on April 15 in Government House, Litle Rayfield, Jos, was indeed wisdom in display. Again, that was the first time in the history of the state that they all met with none missing out as it happened during the reigns of Sen. Jonah Jang and Sen. Simon Lalong. It has gone to show, not only how concerned and disturbed Mutfwang is over the insecurity situation on the Plateau, but his commitment and determination toward bringing an end to it to pave way for the desired growth and development of the state.
The fact remains that under such an atmosphere of insecurity, his administration can not be able to deliver to the people or electorate that brought it to power the dividend of democracy – standard education, healthcare delivery, potable drinking water, road infrastructure and food security, among others. Therefore, the meeting which had all former executive governors of the state – Ambassador Fidelis Tapgun, Sen. Joshua Dariye, Sen. Jonah Jang and Sen. Simon Lalong – and former Military Governor, Rear Admiral Samuel Atukum, in attendance was a good development and good news to the people of Plateau.
The Nigeria Standard reported that their meeting focused on “the welfare, unity, and overall prosperity of residents, amid growing concerns over the security situation in parts of the state. “Top on the agenda was a critical review of the prevailing security challenges, particularly the recent violent attacks in rural communities.
“Participants engaged in extensive discussions aimed at fostering sustainable peace, strengthening unity and promoting harmonious coexistence among all residents of Plateau. At the end of the meeting, the leaders collectively resolved to pursue justice for victims of violence and to establish robust frameworks that would reflect the enduring values of courage, discipline, hospitality and patriotism associated with the Plateau people.
“They also stressed the need to rebuild fractured relationships and restore trust among communities as part of efforts to reinforce Plateau State’s identity as the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism’. ”
While Mutfwang’s engagement with the former governors could be seen as part of ongoing efforts by the state government to address security concerns and promote lasting peace across the state, it’s a call on all and sundry to see reasons why Plateau must be allowed to enjoy the desired peace. As residents, we must be deliberate about peaceful coexistence for development to thrive.
We must rise above tribal and religious divisions or sentiments to unite and collectively fight the monster called “insecurity ” for us to enjoy our peace, which without there can’t be any meaningful development in the state. The truth is, the enemies are bent on destroying Plateau, and until we rise to the challenge, they will have their way if God does not stop them by His mercy.
If this is not true, how could one explain that just a day after Gov. Mutfwang’s engagement with the former governors that fulani militias behead a 30-year-old man in Riwhie-Chwo in the Nzharuvo community, Miango District of Bassa LGA
The National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Youth Movement, IYM, Mr Joseph Yonkpa, who confirmed the incident, said, “The 30-year-old man identified as Elisha Abbas-Saku, met his gruesome end after he was ambushed and beheaded by bandits suspected to be Fulani militias at Riwhie-Chwo in the Nzharuvo community, Miango District of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. Yonkpa said, “The unfortunate attack occurred on Thursday night at about 10.00.p.m. when the gunmen stormed the community and murdered Abbas-Saku and inflicted injuries on other residents.” So sad and painful!
Remember, our fore fathers stood their ground, even with their last drop of blood and breath to defend the state from intruders and enemies. They painstakingly defended the land we are presently occupying and enjoying with tears and sorrow. Until we all arise and say enough is enough, the pain, the tears, and the sorrow will continue weighing us down.
Check around, and you will realise that our children are living in despair, fear, and tension, not sure of their tomorrow, and probably wondering why we, their parents and guardians, leaders and supposed mentors are not finding solutions to the monster. The recent industrial accident or explosion at Natty Petroleum Investment Nigeria Ltd, a filling station in Daffo in Bokkos LGA during welding repairs on an underground storage tank had sent jitters in the hearts of people that another bomb blast attack on the state has occurred. Thank God for the rebuttal of the state Police Command, which clearly stated that the blast wasn’t an act of terrorism or violence.
We must, therefore, purposefully rise and join hands with Gov. Caleb Mutfwang’s led All Progressives Congress’ administration and the Securty Operatives to fight the enemies of Plateau. If we can’t take back the communities the enemies have taken from us, we should at least defend the remaining with all our might as we pray to our Lord Almighty God to help us stand firm.
Our traditional rulers should endeavour to meet periodically to discuss issues affecting their individual domains and collectively proffer solutions for the peace and progress of the state. Similarly, the government should periodically hold stakeholders’ security meetings to have a feel of what’s happening in all the nooks and crannies of the state for proactive measures.
I have the belief that we will not, no matter what, compromise our security, our togetherness, our peace, and our progress, but will stand united to speak the truth as it is! The Plateau man is a known warrior who will never surrender to his enemies no matter how fierce the fight might be!
Thompson Yamput is a Veteran Journalist and a Political Analyst in Abuja
