Riyom killings: Don’t participate in planned protest against Lalong, OPSH – Plateau mothers warn

By Doosuur Iwambe

*Says, desperate politicians of sponsoring planned action

Mothers in Plateau State have caution their children against the planned protest bill to hold on Monday against the state governor, Barr. Simon Lalong and Operation Safe Haven, an internal military outfit responsible for maintaining peace in the state.

The Plateau mothers operating under the umbrella of Coalition of Plateau Mothers’ Forum, in a statement on Sunday alleged that the planned protests was sponsored by 

desperate politicians seeking relevance ahead of the 2023 general election.

According to the statement jointly signed by its

National Coordinator, Barr. (Mrs) Rebeca Pam and the Programme Officer, Dr (Mrs) Grace Dakok, the mothers noted  that the governor and the security outfit had done so much to enthrone peace in the state.

They emphasised  that the peace and tranquillity currently being enjoyed by residents of the state were as a result of the relentless efforts of the governor and OPSH and other security agencies.

To this end, they have warned their children against coming out to take part in the alleged planed protest.

While calling on the youths in the state to resist the temptation of falling  prey to the antics of the failed politicians,they mothers accused them of  trying to revive their political machinery using the recent unfortunate killing of two youths in Riyom Local Government Area of the state by unknown gunmen.

The statement read; “It has come to  our attention that some desperate politicians who have lost relevance not only in their constituencies but also the state, are mobilizing some misguided youths to protest against the state government and security agencies especially Operation Safe Haven who have done so so much to the glory of God and to the shame of the devil, over an  instigated isolated killings of two young men in Riyom Local Government Area of the state just to blackmail the government and security agencies.

“This is unacceptable and we must not fall for their antics.

 “We sympathize with the families and people of Riyom Local Government Council. 

“We call on the  youths on the Plateau not to allow themselves to be used by these desperate and failed politicians. 

“That era where misguided youths were being used by self-seeking politicians has passed.

The state has moved on from hypocrisy and sycophancy,hence we cannot allow ourselves to be used as destructive agents in the hands of local failed politicians who have obviously lost touch with their constituents and are trying to lunch themselves back because of 2023 using the plight of the people anymore.            

“Governor Simon Lalong and the security agencies have done so much in the area of peace and security in the state.

This is evident in the uncommon peace we are experiencing on the Plateau today. 

“Once upon a time, at least, 10 to 20 people were being  killed in our communities on weekly basis but for some time now, except for some instigated and isolated killings by criminals in few villages, the state is very calm. 

“We advise these politicians to use the money they want to use to mobilize the youths to sink boreholes, give students scholarships and organize medical outreaches for their  people.  

“Governor Lalong has invested in peace and security without sentiments than any other povernor in the past. 

“While not trying to rubbish the efforts of our former leaders, we must uphold the truth as mothers. Let’s give peace a chance so that we can fully return  to that Plateau of our dream.             

“We want to strongly and passionately commend the officers and men of the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), for the decisive  and massive onslaught against kidnappers  around the outskirts of Jos metropolis.

“If it wasn’t the relentless efforts of this security outfit, nobody would have been able to sleep with two eyes closed today in Jos.

This is indeed, quite commendable. So, for anybody to think of using us at this time to move out against the architect of peace in our state is quite unfortunate and shouldn’t be supported by any discerning mind.

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“The residents around these areas must also cooperate with security agencies for maximum results.    

” We appeal to Governor Simon Bako Lalong to continue to invest on the security agencies on the Plateau so that they can continue to live up to their constitutional responsibilities.

We urge him not to wait for the federal government for deployment of the necessary wherewithal”.