In a press conference held on the 20th of May 2023, the Plateau Youth G17 Peace and Progressive Forum, led by Rev. Joshua Sati, expressed deep grief and concern over the recent surge of premeditated killings in Plateau State, Nigeria.
The forum condemned the systematic and calculated genocidal murders that have taken place in various parts of the state, with the most recent attacks occurring in Mangu Local Government Area. The group offered condolences to the families of the victims and urged the government and security agencies to take immediate action to protect the lives and properties of citizens.
The forum highlighted the alarming rise in attacks, which have left hundreds of lives lost, shattered dreams, and devastated communities. They criticized the government’s lack of response and called attention to the inefficiency of security agencies in apprehending the assailants, who are often referred to as “Unknown Gun Men.” The Plateau Youth G17 Peace and Progressive Forum emphasized that these killings have infringed upon the fundamental right to life guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution.
During the press conference, the forum provided a list of recent attacks, including the gruesome murders of miners in Mangor, ambushes in NTV village and Rawuru, destruction of farmlands in Jos South LGA, and attacks in Wereng, Marish, and Ganawuri. They particularly highlighted the recent killings in Kuwat and Fungzai communities, where mostly women and children fell victim to the brutal violence.
Expressing disappointment in the government’s silence and inaction, the forum demanded justice and an end to the killings. They expressed their loss of confidence in the Joint Task Force (JTF), emphasizing the need for the government to regain the people’s trust and prevent communities from resorting to self-help.
The Plateau Youth G17 Peace and Progressive Forum called for immediate measures to address the crisis, including the identification and prosecution of the perpetrators, resettlement of displaced individuals from IDP camps, community policing, improved responsiveness of security agencies, and the establishment of state police through appropriate legislation. They also urged the incoming administration to revive Operation Rainbow and integrate it with existing community volunteer security outfits.
The forum appealed to Governor Simon Bako Lalong to take decisive action and protect the lives and properties of citizens. They emphasized that the government’s response to these killings would be a defining factor in assessing the administration’s commitment to peace and security on the Plateau. The Plateau Youth G17 Peace and Progressive Forum called on the people of Plateau State to stand united and vigilant in securing their communities.
The Executive Director of the International Organization for Peace Building and Social Justice, Ishaya Inuwa, also expressed his views during the press conference. He emphasized the urgent need for communities under attack to employ strategies to defend themselves.
Inuwa stated that while seeking peace, mediating, and advocating for peace, it is crucial for communities to rise up in self-defense.
He asserted that they would not allow themselves to be killed in their own lands, homes, and villages. Inuwa condemned the dehumanizing nature of the killings, which have left countless women and children as orphans and widows.
He questioned the whereabouts of the security apparatus and raised concerns about the government’s role in addressing the attacks. Inuwa passionately stated that the primary function of any government is to protect and ensure the welfare of its citizens, and when it fails in this duty, its authority is compromised.
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