The Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), a socio-cultural organisation of the Mwaghavul people in Plateau State, has thrown its weight behind the call by the Plateau State government for the establishment of state police to curb organised crimes and criminality of non-state actors in the state.
MDA made the call following the beheading of a 40-year-old farmer Ishaku Abalis by suspected herdsmen in Panyam District of Mangu local government area of Plateau State.
A statement issued in Jos by the national director of press affairs of MDA, Friday Derwan, said Nigeria at 65 is long overdue for state police in the country.
According to him, the latest heinous acts include series of kidnappings and killings perpetrated by suspected herdsmen who reside within the fringes of Pushit axis who easily swooped on identified targets, whisked them away to an unknown locations for ransoms.
He further stated that the MDA president Deacon Bulus Dabit has strongly condemned the latest killing describing it as not just a reversal of the fragile peace that has returned to the area, but an affront and serious set back to efforts by the Plateau State government to ensure lasting peace in the area.
“The MDA viewed the isolated attacks as an attempts to erode the resilience of the Mwaghavul people and undermine their resolve to maintain peace. We stand firm and resolute refusing to yield to these vicious tactics”, he added.
The statement maintained that Mwaghavul nation will remain steadfast and continue to exercise restraint even in the face of these unfolding waves of attacks, believing that no meaningful peace can be attained where justice and fairness is absent .
Derwan further demanded for the arrest and prosecution of all those behind this dastardly act and to ensure justice for the victims of this organised crimes in their communities.
MDA also called on the security operatives to step up their efforts by being pro-active and impartial in their operations in the area.
