President Bola Tinubu has given marching orders to Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to summon the necessary political will to resolve the crisis in the state and establish enduring peace.
Also yesterday, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State warned that he cannot guarantee the safety of any person or group coming to the state without his knowledge.
The President’s order came as a family of eight was wiped out after no fewer than 52 persons were confirmed killed and property razed in a fresh Sunday night attack on Zike hamlet in Kimakpa community at Kwall district, Irigwe Chiefdom of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
This came as troops of the Nigerian army rescued 16 victims earlier kidnapped in the area.
This is even as Christian leaders in Plateau State are planning a protest over unending killings in the state.
Giving the order yesterday, the President also expressed profound sorrow over recent bloodshed in the state.
A statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, stated that President Tinubu, who strongly condemned the violence, extended his sympathies to the governor, the state government and the people of Plateau State.
In his call for harmony among the people of Plateau State, the President emphasised the importance of love and unity beyond religious and ethnic lines.
He encouraged community, spiritual and political leaders within and beyond the state to unite and end the cycle of retaliatory attacks that had made life unbearable for affected communities.
The statement read: “The ongoing violence between communities in Plateau State, rooted in misunderstandings between different ethnic and religious groups, must cease.
“I have instructed security agencies to thoroughly investigate these crises and identify those responsible for orchestrating these violent acts. We cannot allow this devastation and the tit-for-tat attacks to continue. Enough is enough.
“Beyond dealing with the criminal elements of these incessant killings, the political leadership in Plateau State, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, must address the root cause of this age-long problem. These problems have been with us for more than two decades.
“We can no longer ignore the underlying issues. It is time to tackle them fairly and find a lasting solution. I have discussed these problems with the governor over time and offered suggestions for lasting peace.
“The Federal Government remains committed to supporting Governor Mutfwang and the Plateau State Government in promoting dialogue, fostering social cohesion, and ensuring accountability, crucial steps towards permanently resolving the conflict in Plateau.”
In the latest attack which occurred late Sunday night, a family of eight was wiped out as no fewer than 52 persons were confirmed killed and property razed in the attack on Zike hamlet in Kimakpa community at Kwall district, Irigwe Chiefdom of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Those killed have already been given mass burial.
