Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has conducted an on-the-spot assessment of communities recently attacked and displaced in Bokkos and Mangu local government areas.
He visited Hurti, Daho and several affected areas, where he also interacted with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
The governor who was visibly moved by the harrowing conditions, especially those of women and children, encouraged the displaced persons not to abandon their ancestral lands to strangers and land grabbers.
He emphasised the need for unity, resilience and vigilance in the face of adversity.
Mutfwang while addressing youths in the communities urged them to resist distractions and channel their energies towards protecting their people and heritage, as they are the future leaders of their areas.
He commended President Bola Tinubu’s intervention during this period of unrest, acknowledging his support and promised to personally brief him on the dire situation on the ground to facilitate stronger security measures.
Speaking to displaced persons at Hurti in Manguna District, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding the destroyed communities and ensuring the safe return of all displaced persons to their homes.
He emphasised that the government was doing everything within the law to provide adequate security, particularly in Bokkos to allow farmers access to their lands.
The governor noted that the timing of these attacks during the farming season was a calculated attempt to entrench poverty and hunger by denying people access to their farms and destroying their harvests.
“We are here to witness firsthand, the devastation caused by these acts of banditry,” Governor Mutfwang said, “This village recorded one of the highest number of casualties in this coordinated act of terrorism and genocide. I’ve come not just to sympathise, but to assure you that this government stands firmly with you.
“We must rise above our differences, unite as a people and resist the agenda of division. God did not make a mistake by planting you in this land. Government will do its part, and I urge the youth to play their role. President Tinubu has extended his condolences and stands with you in the quest for peace and justice.”
At the St. Thomas Apostle Catholic Church in Bokkos where many displaced persons are taking refuge, the governor expressed deep sorrow over the conditions of those affected, while also commending the church for offering shelter. He promised that government would work swiftly to ensure they are not left displaced for long.
Governor Mutfwang also visited the mass grave site where many community members were buried. He pledged that a memorial would be erected in their honour. Prayers for the repose of their souls were led by Reverend Gideon Para-Mallam.
The district head of Manguna, Chief Raymond Alo, in his response, thanked the governor for the visit and for standing with the people in their time of distress. He revealed that some perpetrators of the attacks are known to members of the communities and, if given the opportunity, could be identified and brought to justice.
He also appealed to the governor to intensify efforts in drawing federal attention to the plight of the victims and the urgent need for rebuilding their communities.
In Mangu local government area, the governor visited Tyop community which was also violently attacked two years ago. He expressed dismay that the displaced natives’ lands had been forcefully occupied, with some intruders erecting new buildings using materials taken from properties belonging to the original inhabitants.
Mutfwang directed security agencies to collaborate with community leaders and local government enumeration staff to document all structures in the area, when they were built, ownership of land, duration of settlement and means of acquisition.
While reaffirming Plateau State’s reputation for hospitality, he said those wishing to settle in any community must do so lawfully. He warned that any form of unlawful occupation or insubordination that could spark further violence would not be tolerated.
He charged security heads to ensure the enumeration exercise is conducted peacefully, fairly and with a sense of justice to all parties involved.
