In a passionate declaration, Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State asserted that he did not assume office as governor to oversee funeral ceremonies. Speaking to thousands of Christian faithfuls in Plateau, who staged a peaceful protest against the Christmas Eve genocide in Bokkos, Barkin-Ladi, and Mangu local governments, Governor Mutfwang expressed his commitment to ending the ongoing violence.
The protesters, adorned in black attire and carrying placards, marched to Government House Little Rayfield. Led by ECWA president Rev. Dr. Stephen Baba Panya and CAN Chairman Plateau State Rev. Father Polycarp Lubo, they submitted a ten-point petition seeking immediate intervention from the Federal Government.
Governor Mutfwang assured the protesters, stating, “We will not sit back and watch our people slaughtered. By the grace of God, we will do all it takes to ensure that this carnage is stopped. We will do all that we can to ensure that our land is secured. The blood of the people being shed will not be in vain.”
He continued, “We will continue to cry for justice. And by the grace of God, if we cannot bring the people to justice, we will take justice to them. I didn’t come as a politician. I have come that Plateau will rise again.”
Acknowledging the petition, Governor Mutfwang announced his intention to forward it to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. He praised Tinubu’s commitment to ending the cycle of violence, emphasizing the president’s directives to security agencies.
“I will be going over to see Mr. President in the course of the week. And I will make sure that we transmit your requests, your demands, your fears, and your apprehensions. We are going to work together assiduously,” Governor Mutfwang assured the gathered crowd.
In response to the plea for unity, he urged citizens to support church leaders and avoid harboring hatred. The governor emphasized the importance of extending love to everyone, emphasizing the need for a united front.
President of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Rev. Dr. Stephen Baba Panya, condemned the attacks, highlighting the clear intentions to target Christian communities during Christmas celebrations. He cited a breakdown of casualties, detailing the heart-wrenching loss of lives, displacement of people, and destruction of churches and properties.
The clergyman also called for the release of individuals allegedly arrested during self-defense actions in the aftermath of the attacks. The situation in Plateau remains tense, but the collective cry for justice and the commitment of the government and religious leaders signal a determination to restore peace in the region.
