JOS – Former Plateau State Governor and ex-Senator representing Plateau North, Da Jonah Jang, has vehemently condemned the recent surge of killings in the state, labeling the attacks that claimed over 100 lives in a single week as deeply agonizing and orchestrated by a known group with a hidden agenda.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Jos, Jang conveyed his deepest sympathies to the people of Plateau State and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to convene an expanded meeting with community leaders to fully grasp the severity and intricacy of the security crisis.
“Let’s be clear,” Jang stated emphatically. “These senseless killings have inflicted immense pain and suffering on our great State and its people, and we must take immediate and decisive action to end this violence.”
He commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his ongoing efforts to address the crisis and acknowledged President Tinubu’s stated determination to halt the killings. However, Jang criticized a recent presidential directive instructing Governor Mutfwang to address the violence as a “communal issue,” asserting that this misrepresentation stemmed from “inaccurate briefings.”
“The attacks in Plateau State are not merely communal disputes; they are perpetrated by a known group with a specific agenda,” he declared, imploring the federal government to recognize the true nature of the violence to ensure an appropriate response.
Jang stressed the critical need for President Tinubu to engage directly with key stakeholders through an expanded consultative meeting involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community representatives. “Such a meeting would provide a vital platform for stakeholders to share their firsthand insights and experiences, enabling the President to develop a more informed and effective approach to tackling this persistent problem,” he added.
Furthermore, he called upon the people of Plateau to remain resilient, united, and proactive, encouraging them to defend their communities and demand justice.
“As peace-loving and welcoming citizens, we have endured enough. It is time for us to defend ourselves against these aggressors,” Jang asserted.
The former governor concluded by reiterating his unwavering solidarity with the victims and their families and reaffirmed his commitment to standing alongside the people of Plateau during these incredibly challenging times.
Plateau Killings Are Not Communal Clashes, But a Sinister Plot – Jonah Jang
