For the second time in less than a week, Governor Caleb Mutfwang openly lamented the Christmas Eve attacks on some communities in Plateau State.

Muftwang said he was peeved that the latest mayhem, which he described as a “genocide,” was like the previous being given the “traditional narrative of farmer-herder clash..”

“It is a misrepresentation of facts to describe these needless and unprovoked attacks on our people as a farmer-herder clash as has always been the traditional narrative. Let us call a spade a spade; this is simple genocide,” he said in an emotion-laden voice.

The governor stated this during a live broadcast to the people of the state to mark the New Year yesterday.

He declared a one-week of mourning across the state in respect of “over 160 people killed in the recent Christmas genocide.”

During the mourning period (January 1 to 8), flags will fly at half-mast in honour of the deceased. Official state mourning will be held on Monday.

The governor enjoined Muslim clerics to dedicate Friday as a special prayer day for lasting peace in the state and Christian leaders to do the same on Sunday.

He acknowledged the resilience of the people and called on them to use the mourning period “for intense prayers to seek the intervention of the Almighty God in defending our territories and against wicked men that have risen against us.”.

The governor said despite the adversity, he was optimistic that this year “would bring hope and opportunities in reflection of the inner strength of the people.”

His words: “I welcome you to 2024, our year of hope in the midst of conflict, our year of deliverance, restoration and progress.

“While it is true that we ended the year 2023 on a sad note because of the many precious lives we lost, including but not limited to over 400 between April and June 2023 as well as the over 160 in the recent Christmas genocide.

“From small eruptions of conflict sometime in 2001, no one could have imagined that our dear state would witness such unquantifiable bloodshed of innocent lives, some known and others unknown. It is quite grievous to my heart that Plateau State has become the cynosure of the whole nation and the world for the wrong reasons.

“These unprovoked and simultaneous attacks in different villages were premeditated and coordinated. These series of attacks on our people are a clear case of criminality, insurgency and terrorism and must be seen and handled in that manner if we must succeed in halting this wanton destruction of lives and property.

“For the avoidance of doubt, it is a misrepresentation of facts to describe these needless and unprovoked attacks on our people as a farmer-herder clash as has always been the traditional narrative. Let us call a spade a spade, this is simple genocide

“Let me use this medium again to commiserate with my dear Plateau People on these monumental killings, especially the affected communities and the families of the deceased. My heart goes out to you and be assured that my family, the entire government and I deeply share in your grief.

“We will not rest on our oars but will tirelessly collaborate with the Federal Government to bring an end to these tragedies and bring succour to affected persons and communities.

“As a mark of honour for the memory of the deceased, I wish to declare a week of mourning from January 1st to January 8th, 2024. During this period of mourning, flags will fly at half-mast. I urge all citizens to use these days for intense prayers to seek the intervention of the Almighty God in defending our territories and against wicked men who have risen against us.

‘It is gratifying that despite these onslaughts, our spirits are not broken. Our resolve to defend our land and prosper therein has remained unshakeable.

“I am, therefore, confident that 2024 will reveal our inner strength and resilience in the face of these tribulations.

“Let me state emphatically, that I do not take for granted your unwavering support and confidence in my ability to lead you at this trying period of our evolution as a people. The year ended was a year of fulfilment and tribulations.

“Despite the gloomy end of 2023, I am proud to state that we have recorded some tangible gains starting from May 29th, 2023 when we were sworn into office”

As part of the New Year activities, Muftwang deployed pardoned four inmates of the Jos Correctional Centre

Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) at the weekend told his colleagues that almost 200 people were massacred during the mayhem.

He said: “I was at JUTH (Jos University Teaching Hospital) and you could see a three-month-old with a gunshot wound. Three months! Some were beheaded. This is unprecedented…

“What was discovered is that these marauding bandits were not moving with weapons. Those weapons were domiciled in certain locations.”

We’ll intervene in Plateau crisis, North Central governors assure

Governors in the Northcentral have promised to collaborate in finding a lasting peace to the series of killings in Plateau State.

They said they would meet with the victims and other critical stakeholders involved in the Christmas Eve mayhem

Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule made this known after visiting President Bola Tinubu in Lagos on Sunday. .

Sule, who is also chairman of Northcentral Governors’ Forum, said: “ I told Mr. President about some of the things happening in our own zone, including issues in Plateau.

“Mr. President is very concerned about the security of the people and about what is happening on the Plateau and what is happening in the Northeast and most especially in the North Central.”

CAN seeks prayers against killings

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) urged Nigerians to pray against killings in the country, especially in Plateau State.

It also admonished Nigerians to use diversity as the “bedrock” for a stronger and more harmonious nation.

President of the association, Archbishop Daniel Okoh gave the advice in a New Year message yesterday.

He said:”We were shocked to find that, as the year drew to a close, the enemies of progress sought to cast a shadow over our joy with acts of extreme violence in some communities on the Plateau.

“These acts of aggression against innocent lives are a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in our beloved country. It is a recurrent nightmare that we have witnessed far too often.

“In light of these distressing events, our prayers intensify for the souls we have lost and for the bereaved families.

“We pray earnestly to the Almighty God that such senseless loss of life and wanton destruction of property will never plague our communities again.

“In the face of these adversities, it is imperative that we, as a people, refuse to be discouraged.

“Instead, we must unite and remain resolute in our commitment to build a united, peaceful, and prosperous nation. It is in our togetherness that we find the strength to withstand the trials that beset us. In unity, there is hope, resilience and the power to rebuild.” (The Nation)

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