Stakeholders, group seek end to violence in Plateau, others

STAKEHOLDERS in Plateau State met at the Government House, Jos, condemning the incessant attacks in the state. They also acknowledged that the state was under siege, pointing out that the terror attacks were not only aimed at the Berom but the state as a whole.

Meanwhile, security agencies in the country have been advised to be more pro-active in their quest to ensure peace, just as the Federal Government has also been called upon to step up security apparatus and its network to check killings that are seemingly becoming the culture in the country.

The stakeholders noted that the national and inter-state borders were porous, making it easy for infiltration into the country by foreign mercenaries and called for synergy among federal, state and local governments for effective border policing. They observed that unity in the state was a pre-condition for unity of purpose and action and, therefore, resolved that a standing elders’ forum be constituted and revitalised.

Chaired by one-time military governor of the state, Rear Admiral Samuel Bitrus Atukum (rtd), they noted with dismay certain comments made by some prominent northern elders on the military intervention in the affected five villages in Barkin Ladi and Riyom councils. They added that their comments fall short of the reality of the security challenges in the state, advising them to exercise restraints in the matter.

They appealed to the Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), for urgent relief assistance to victims of the recent crisis in the state, while appealing to citizens of the state to be law-abiding and vigilant and to report any suspicious movements or actions within their communities.

President of the Plateau State chapter of Tiv Development and Cultural Organisation, Mr. Benjamin Ngugaana, made the call on Tuesday while reacting to the recent murder of the two prominent legislators in the state.

A statement issued by the group’s   Public Relations Officer in Jos, Moses Gbande, quoted Ngugaana as condemning the incessant attacks, killings and the destruction of property in northern Nigeria.