Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA) Director General, Ms. Julie G. Sanda, has expressed deep concern over the recent wave of deadly nocturnal attacks on communities in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Riyom, and Mangu Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State.
The orchestrated attacks, which have occurred in the last few months, have resulted in the tragic loss of lives, particularly among vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly, and the destruction of property worth millions of Naira. These incidents mark a disturbing escalation in violence since April 2023, posing a significant setback to the collective progress of the state.
In light of these unfortunate occurrences, the PPBA extends its heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and property due to these attacks, as well as to the entire peace-loving populace of Plateau State.
Director General Sanda emphasized the agency’s resolve to address the root causes of the violence and rebuild trust among the diverse ethno-religious groups in the state. She called for unity and cooperation from all stakeholders in the fight against this common threat to peace and security.
“While we are deeply pained by these heinous attacks, we must not allow them to deter us from our commitment to building safe, secure, and peaceful communities across Plateau State,” said Ms. Sanda. “Now, more than ever before, we must unite in our efforts to confront this menace and pave the way for lasting peace and reconciliation.”
The PPBA urged all citizens to remain calm and exercise restraint in the face of provocation, while calling on relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of these violent acts.
Furthermore, Director General Sanda called on religious and traditional leaders to play their part by promoting messages of unity and tolerance, and by taking measures to prevent the infiltration of individuals with malicious intent into their communities.
“The time has come for us to stand together and reject violence in all its forms,” Ms. Sanda reiterated. “There is no alternative to peace, and it is incumbent upon each and every one of us to work towards building a Plateau State that is at peace with itself and the rest of the world.”
The PPBA reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing peace processes and pledged to continue engaging with critical stakeholders to address the underlying causes of violence and foster genuine reconciliation and healing in Plateau State.