President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the recent violence in Plateau State, which has claimed over 40 lives.
Condemning the tragic incident, he extended his condolences to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the state government, and the people of Plateau. He urged the governor to demonstrate the political resolve needed to address the crisis and foster lasting peace.
This was disclosed in a statement on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The statement highlighted President Tinubu’s call for harmony among the people of Plateau, underscoring the need for unity and love beyond ethnic and religious divides.
Tinubu also urged community, spiritual, and political leaders in the state and across the nation to work collectively to break the cycle of retaliatory violence that has brought hardship to the affected communities.
“The ongoing violence between communities in Plateau State, rooted in misunderstandings between different ethnic and religious groups, must cease,” President Tinubu asserts.
“I have instructed security agencies to thoroughly investigate this crisis 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”.
Channels Television reports that the death toll in Monday’s attack on the Zike community, Kimakpa, Kwall district of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, has hit 51, with several houses razed.
According to a Kwall community leader, Wakili Tongwe, the attackers invaded the village in the early hours of Monday and shot sporadically at residents who were scampering for safety after hearing gunshots.