Ex Govs Tapgun, Jang condemn killings in Plateau, urges caution, restraint

Former Governor of Plateau State, Ambassador, Fidelis Tapgun, has expressed surprise at the number of deaths and level of carnage in the recent killing of innocent citizens by people suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

In a statement he personally signed, Tapgun described the recurring killing in Plateau state as unacceptable, especially as some semblance of peace has been restored in the state.

“I appreciate the efforts of the present administration to maintain the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the state as well as the efforts of the Special Task Force or Operation Safe Haven, in keeping and restoring the peace on the Plateau.

“I urge all residents of the state to eschew violence and allow peace to reign. I also urge them to learn to live in peace, love and harmony and this is only the panacea to peace.

“I commiserate with the government and people of Plateau state, especially the families of those who lost their lives,” he said.

Similarly, another former governor and Senator Representing Plateau North Senatorial Zone in the National Assembly, Jonah David Jang, has also condemned the attack describing it as barbaric and called on security agencies to fish out those behind the heinous act.

In a statement signed by his Media Aid, Mr. Clinton Garuba, and made available to our correspondent, Jang said, “the barbaric killing of over 200 people in Gashish District, Razat, Ruku Nyarr, and Gana-Ropp in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State by Fulani herdsmen, are fast becoming a coordinated attempt at genocide aimed at annihilating our people and stealing our God-given heritage.

“As one who is particular about the welfare and well-being of the people, the Senator’s heart is with the families of all those who have been deliberately and mercilessly separated from their loved ones for eternity.

“At a time the Government of Plateau State is boasting of creating an island of peace, it is a wonder where that island is located: surely, our towns and villages around the State where people are attacked and killed in their sleep, on their farms, and on rural roads almost on daily basis are not part of that island.

On the role of the Armed Forces, Senator Jonah Jang observes that “their mode of operation and response to the attacks on Plateau State is worrisome and capable of causing massive apathy and loss of confidence on the part of citizens.

“They continue to attract controversies and accusations of complicity as clearly noted by notable statesmen like General T.Y Danjuma (Rtd.),” he said.

To address the threat herdsmen now pose to the very existence of Plateau State, the Senator is of the opinion that Governor Simon Lalong must display uncommon will to stand with Plateau people for the fortification of the State from external aggression and attacks.

Jang said that Lalong must stop playing politics with the security situation in the State, as there is no gain in proclaiming peace that only exists in dreamland while people are being killed on the Plateau.

“Accordingly, Governor Simon Lalong should also consider reviving Operation Rainbow by funding and equipping it for intelligence gathering and swift response to incessant attacks in the State,” the statement reads.

More than 86 people were killed and properties worth millions of naira destroyed when some herdsmen allegedly invaded 11 villages in Gashish District of Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Jos South South Local Government Area of the state.