The Governor of Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has stated that the recent attacks on communities in the state are carefully premeditated acts of “criminality, insurgency and terrorism’, and must not be attributed to anything else other than that.
Governor Mutfwang spoke during his new year broadcast on Monday, January 1, 2024. He said the attacks on communities in the state during Christmas celebrations were a deliberate act of terrorism, not farmer-herder crisis as many have hastily concluded.
His words:
“I welcome you to 2024, our year of hope in the midst of conflict, our year of deliverance, restoration and progress. While it is true that we ended the year 2023 on a sad note because of the many precious lives we lost including but not limited to over 400 between April and June, 2023 as well as the over 160 in the recent Christmas genocide.
“These unprovoked and simultaneous attacks in different villages were clearly premeditated and coordinated. These series of attacks on our people are a clear case of criminality, insurgency and terrorism and must be seen and handled in that manner if we must succeed in halting this wanton destruction of lives and property.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is a misrepresentation of facts to describe these needless and unprovoked attacks on our people as a Farmer-Herder clash as has always been the traditional narrative. Let us call a spade a spade, this is simple genocide.”
The Governor condoled with the affected communities. He also pledged that his administration will collaborate with the Government of Nigeria to ensure that the perpetrators are caught and dealt with accordingly.
His words:
“While it is true that we ended the year 2023 on a sad note because of the many precious lives we lost, including but not limited to over 400 between April and June 2023, as well as the over 160 in the recent Christmas genocide.
“Let me use this medium again to commiserate with my dear Plateau People on these monumental killings, especially the affected communities and the families of the deceased.
“My heart goes out to you, and be assured that my family, the entire government and I deeply share in your grief. We will not rest on our oars but will tirelessly collaborate with the Federal Government to end these tragedies and bring succour to affected persons and communities.
One Week mourning period for victims of Plateau genocide
Governor Mutfwang declared a week mourning period from Monday, January 1 to Monday, January 8, 2024. He also ordered that during the stipulated mourning period, flags will fly at half-mast.
He further urged citizens to pray intensely for God’s intervention “against wicked men that have risen against us.”
His words:
“As a mark of honour for the memory of the deceased, I wish to declare a week of mourning from 1st January to 8th January 2024. During this period of mourning, flags will fly at half-mast.
“I urge all citizens to use these days for intense prayers to seek the intervention of the Almighty God in defending our territories and against wicked men that have risen against us.
“I wish to plead with our Muslim clerics to dedicate Friday, 5th January 2024, and our Christian Clergy to use Sunday, 7th January 2024, as a special prayer day for lasting peace to return to the Plateau. Monday, 8th January 2024, will be our official state day of mourning.
Our Spirits are Not Broken
The Governor said despite the continuous onslaughts, the state remained resolute in defending the land against terrorist invaders.
“It is gratifying that despite these onslaughts, our spirits are not broken. Our resolve to defend our land and prosper therein has remained unshakeable. I am, therefore, confident that 2024 will reveal our inner strength and resilience in the face of these tribulations,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Senate on Saturday, ordered the country’s Service Chiefs to appear before the Red Chambers to explain the security situation in Plateau state.
This was after former Governor and senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole accused the heads of security agencies of negligence. Senator Oshiomhole also moved a motion to have all the heads of security agencies appear before the Senate.
Following the Plenary call-out, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja disclosed to Channels TV on Sunday, December 31, that more troops had been deployed to Plateau state to “restore peace and security.”