With a deep sense of grief and genuine indignation, the Senator Representing Plateau North Senatorial Zone hereby condemns in the strongest possible terms 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. These continuous killings 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. It is quite unfortunate that despite all the valuable lives we continue to lose, the government on the Plateau as led by Governor Simon Lalong is still living in denial. How many Plateau lives must be violently ended before the Governor realises that the peace he claimed to have brought on the Plateau is imaginary?
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). At this juncture, Elder Danjuma’s call for self defence may become the only option considering the situation in Barkin-Ladi where people were left at the mercy of killer herdsmen who had the time and space to maim, kill, and destroy to their satisfaction without any notabl challenge by the military formation in the State.
To address the threat herdsmen now pose to the very existence of Plateau State as it is meant to be, the Senator is of the opinion that Governor Simon Lalong must display an uncommon will to stand with Plateau people for the fortification of the State from external aggression and attacks. He must also stop playing politics with the security situation of the State, as there is no gain in proclaiming a 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 inccessant attacks on the State.
While calling on those confronted with the eminent threat of annihilation at the hands of wicked Fulani herdsmen to be vigilant, steadfast, courageous, and creative in self-defense, Senator Jonah David Jang, shares in the pain and hurt in the minds of the people of Plateau State, and assures them of his commitment to the security, longevity, and prosperity of the State.