The wave of killings in Plateau State has continued to generate nationwide outrage as former governor, Jonah Jang, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu all reacted strongly to the rising bloodshed in the state.
About 100 people have been killed in the past week, including the recent massacre of over 50 persons in Zikke community, Bassa Local Government Area, where houses were burnt and residents displaced. The tragedy took place barely two weeks after a similar assault in Bokkos Local Government Area.
Jang Blames “Known Group with Hidden Agenda”
Jonah Jang, a former Senator and governor of the state, condemned the recent killings that claimed over 100 lives in one week, describing them as “deeply painful” and “orchestrated by a known group with a hidden agenda.”
In a statement issued in Jos on Tuesday, Jang said: “Let’s call a spade a spade. These senseless killings have caused pain and suffering for our great State and its people, and we must take immediate action to put an end to this violence.”
Jang criticised the federal government for downplaying the violence as a “communal issue,” saying such mischaracterisation arose 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.
Jang praised Governor Mutfwang’s ongoing efforts and President Tinubu’s resolve to end the crisis, but insisted that the President must go beyond statements. He called for an expanded consultative meeting involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community representatives.
“Such a meeting would provide a platform for stakeholders to share their insights and experiences, enabling the President to develop a more informed approach to tackling the problem,” he added.
He also urged Plateau residents to remain resilient and defend their communities.
“As peace-loving and welcoming citizens, we have endured enough. It is time for us to defend ourselves against these aggressors,” he said.
Governor Mutfwang Apologises to Bassa People
On his part, Governor Mutfwang, who visited Zikke community where 51 persons were killed on Monday, apologised for the government’s failure to protect lives.
Addressing the Paramount Ruler of Irigwe land in Miango, the governor said: “I will tell you the truth: I have been crying since yesterday because I had trusted God that all the arrangements were put in place, that this will not happen again. We have made investments in security.”
“But like all human arrangements, sometimes they fail. I want to admit that on Sunday night into Monday morning, we failed you. Please, forgive me.”
He urged the people to support security agencies with useful information to expose criminals, while the paramount ruler, Ronku Aka, pleaded for government intervention in rebuilding affected communities and provision of amenities.
Accompanied by top security chiefs and members of the State Executive Council, the governor also visited the Zikke community and met with bereaved families whose loved ones were buried earlier in the day.
NBA Condemns Killings, Demands Justice
Meanwhile, the NBA has described the killings in Plateau and other states as “senseless” and “heinous.”
In a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the NBA said the massacre of a family of eight and over 52 others in Bassa exposed the “glaring deficiencies” in Nigeria’s internal security framework.
“These tragic events once again expose the glaring deficiencies in Nigeria’s internal security architecture and underscore the urgent need for immediate, decisive action by the government and security agencies,” the statement read.
It added: “We remind the Federal and State Governments that Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution provides unequivocally that: ‘The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.’”
The NBA urged President Tinubu, the affected governors, and security chiefs to deploy a robust and coordinated response to prevent further attacks. It also called on the National Human Rights Commission and civil society groups to monitor developments and ensure that victims are not forgotten.
Tinubu Condemns Attacks, Urges Resolution of “Communal Issues”
President Bola Tinubu has condemned the renewed violence in Plateau State, saying “enough is enough.”
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed “profound sorrow” over the killings, which he said have persisted for over two decades.
“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,” Tinubu said.
While sympathising with Governor Mutfwang and the people of Plateau, Tinubu called for peace and unity beyond ethnic and religious lines.
“The political leadership in Plateau State, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, must address the root cause of this age-long problem… We can no longer ignore the underlying issues,” he said.
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