Prominent businessman and community leader Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik has condemned the recent killings in Plateau State, labelling the situation as “heartbreaking and intolerable.”
He expressed grave concern over the escalating insecurity and urged federal and state governments to take immediate and decisive action to restore peace.
In a statement to the press yesterday, Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik lamented the loss of innocent lives in the attacks, which have devastated several communities and displaced families.
“What is happening in Plateau State is a tragedy that must not continue. The blood of our people is being spilt needlessly, and this is unacceptable in any civilised society,” he stated.
Kefas Wungak Ropshik, CEO of Kefiano Autos and former gubernatorial aspirant, emphasised the urgent need to empower local vigilante groups as a strategic response to growing insecurity, particularly in rural areas where government forces are often overstretched. He argued that vigilantes could significantly aid intelligence gathering and community response with adequate training, funding, and coordination with formal security agencies.
He condemned the recent massacre in Bassa Local Government Area, where over 50 innocent people were reportedly killed, describing it as “a horrific act of inhumanity that must not go unpunished.” Ropshik urged security agencies and the government to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“The killing of over 50 innocent people in Bassa is a national tragedy. These lives matter. This massacre must be investigated fully, and justice must be served,” he emphasised.
Chief Kefas urged the Plateau State Government to act swiftly, citing examples from Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina States, where organised and armed vigilante groups have thwarted similar attacks. He insisted that Plateau learn from these states and build local defence structures to respond swiftly to threats.
“We have seen how armed Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina armed vigilantes have defended their people and repelled attacks that could have resulted in mass casualties. Plateau State must not fold its hands. The government must rise to the occasion and take bold steps to defend its citizens,” Ropshik stated.
Quoting the Bible, he referenced Luke 22:36, where Jesus advised His disciples:
“But now, if you have a purse, take it and a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.”
He clarified this was not a call for violence but a principle supporting preparedness and self-defence in the face of danger.
“Our communities must be equipped to protect themselves when the need arises. We are not advocating lawlessness, but we must be realistic. The government cannot be everywhere at once, and our people deserve the right to live safely,” he added.
Ropshik also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society organisations to collaborate in fostering peace, tolerance, and reconciliation among diverse ethnic and religious groups in Plateau State.
He reiterated his demand for swift government action and justice for all affected communities, insisting that accountability is the only path to sustainable peace.
Various community stakeholders have welcomed Chief Kefas’s call, praising his proactive stance and unwavering commitment to the safety and security of Plateau citizens.
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