Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State on Thursday welcomed the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Wale Oke, and the leadership of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF) in a gesture of solidarity following the Christmas Eve attacks and killings in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas.
Mutfwang told his visitors that the Church leaders and Northern Senators have a role to play in promoting peace, seeking religious harmony and coming to the aid of displaced persons in Plateau State.
During the condolence visit at the New Government House Little Rayfield in Jos, the state capital, Mutfwang expressed his gratitude for the PFN’s leadership’s presence, acknowledging its potential to boost the morale of bereaved families and inspire further government action towards resolving the ongoing unrest.
He reiterated his commitment to contributing to Plateau’s development through political service and urged religious leaders, including the PFN, to support his efforts in making the state a source of national pride. Mutfwang strongly condemned the recent killings and reaffirmed his dedication to employing legal measures to protect both the people and the borders of the state.
Earlier, Bishop Wale-Oke condemned the senseless and barbaric attacks in the state and called on the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the recurring security challenges. He declared the PFN’s unwavering solidarity with the affected people.
Later that day, Governor Mutfwang also welcomed the Northern Senators Forum, led by their Chairman, Senator Abdul Ningi. He appealed to the Federal Government for increased support for victims of the attacks, urging the inclusion of additional funds in the 2024 budget for the resettlement of displaced persons.
Mutfwang expressed his appreciation for the senators’ visit and thanked President Bola Tinubu for sending a delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima. He saw this as a demonstration of the political will to combat coordinated violence in Plateau. Additionally, he stressed the need for federal support to address the humanitarian crisis caused by the attacks.
Senator Abdul Ningi, representing the Northern Senators Forum, expressed deep sorrow over the Christmas Eve attacks and decried the general insecurity in the northern region. He called for unity and tolerance among the people as essential elements in effectively addressing the ongoing challenges.
