The Plateau Youth G-17 Collation has released a press statement in sympathy with the recent happenings in Benue State and further asserting the stand on the rejection of cattle colonies or grazing reserves in Plateau State.
Press Release
OUR SYMPATHY TO BENUE STATE
CONDEMNATION OF GOV. LALONG’S STATEMENT ON BENUE SITUATION AND REJECTION OF CATTLE COLONIES
Following the resumed hostilities by armed herdsmen in Benue State
and other parts of the Country, we wish to register our condolences and
sympathy to the Government and people of Benue State on the unprovoked,
inhuman and wicked attacks and killings taking place in the State.
The level of genocide, hostilities and aggression against the people
of Benue State and other States are unprecedented and we condemn such in
the strongest possible terms.
We call on the Federal Government to come out proactively and make
its position known on the spate of attacks by killer herdsmen.
More pragmatic and result-oriented strategies should be put in place
by the security agencies and Federal Government to stem the rate of
attacks and killing of innocent people in Benue State and other parts of
the government.
We call on His Excellency, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State to
remain resolute, dedicated and committed to policies and programmes that
will keep his people and State safer and not be discouraged or
distracted by those who are bent on disrupting the peace, unity,
security, growth and development of the State. You have demonstrated to
be a leader that listens to the plights of your people and posterity
will be fair to you.
The FG continuous silence and lack of proactive steps to stop the insecurity killing many is indicting.
We also wish to disclose that the statement credited to the Executive
Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong towards his Benue
State counterpart, Governor Ortom as not only disturbing, sad but
disappointing. It shows clearly that he is yet to come to the clear
knowledge of the insecurity staring at him in his domain.
At this trying moments of Benue State, the statements credited to
Barr. Simon Lalong are reckless, uncharitable and without empathy to the
present predicament of the people.
Plateau State is suffering same fate and it is regrettable having our
Governor speaking in such despicable manner. We are praying for Benue
people and all those affected in one way or the other by insurgency and
violence attacks by the rampaging marauders.
On Gov. Lalong positive position on Cattle Colonies as proposed by
the President it is rather pathetic as he is not aware of the components
and contents of the cattle colonies just as he was bereft of the
content of the grazing reserves and routes in 2016 and was ready to
implement.
It still beats our imaginations to hear Governor Lalong saying the
citizens of Plateau State are already donating their lands voluntarily
for ranching on Channels, a statement we take as callous, unpatriotic,
careless, provocative and completely false. He can kindly tell the State
where people have donated lands voluntarily for ranching when people of
the State are cautious of any engagement that will endanger their
heritages and lives.
We distant ourselves completely from such careless disposition which
has shown his inability to comprehend the interest of his people.
We remain resolute on our position on the ban on open-grazing on the
State and will follow all legitimate means to make the law fruitful
irrespective of any form of sabotage.
We call on all peace-loving people of Plateau State and North Central
to be more united and speak with one voice against the genocide and
injustices meted out to the people.
We remain steadfast and committed to things that will promote
national Peace, unity, cohesion, prosperity, growth and development.
We are our brothers’ keepers, we say no to violence, genocide and things capable of destroying our heritage and future.
God bless and thanks.
Mr. Dachung Musa Bagos
Convener, Plateau Youth G-17 Peace&Progress Forum