State governors, under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), on Thursday, paid a condolence visit to their Plateau State counterpart, Governor Caleb Mutfwang in Jos, the state capital.
Led by the NGF chairman and governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq the delegation commiserated with the government and people of the Plateau over the recent spate of senseless killings across farming communities in the state.
No fewer than 102 persons were killed and many others displaced, allegedly by armed herdsmen in various Plateau communities in a space of one week
Governor Abdulrazaq, who spoke on behalf of other governors on the delegation, commended the interventions of the security agencies, which he said, prevented further escalation.
Other governors that made the visit included Babagana Zulum (Borno), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and the deputy governor of Nasarawa State.
Describing the mindless killings as unfortunate, Governor Abdulrazaq said, “On behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the people of our states, I bring you sincere words of condolences on the unfortunate events in which many of our compatriots have lost their lives.
“We call on leaders and influencers across all communities and sectors in Plateau to join His Excellency in the task of uniting the people and restoring sustainable peace.
“Leaders, including youth leaders, should come together to speak strongly against violence of any kind. We urge that we resolve our differences through dialogue, fair negotiations, mutual respect, and perspective taking.
“Sustainable development can be a mirage in an atmosphere of tension and violence. Plateau is full of potential, especially in agriculture and tourism. But this potential could be affected negatively if we allow violence or threats of it to define how people see our communities.
“We commend His Excellency the Governor for his leadership at this critical moment. Our visit is to express our solidarity with His Excellency and the government and good people of Plateau State. We pray to God Almighty to repose the souls of the victims and restore peace to our communities.”
Responding, Plateau Governor, Mutfwang thanked the NGF delegation for the show of solidarity, describing the visit as encouraging to his people.
Mutfwang explained that on assumption of office, he concentrated on building bridges of unity across board, irrespective of faiths, and as such the renewed wanton attacks and killings in Plateau were a terrible set back.
According to the governor, his administration is open to constructive ideas and suggestions on how to address the challenges of insecurity in the state, adding that incessant mass killings in the state were totally uncalled for.
