KILLINGS: THERE ARE NO FARMS OR CATTLE IN ANGWAN RUKUBA – PLATEAU ELDERS TO TINUBU
Former Governor Jonah Jang asserted that the recent violence in Angwan Rukuba was driven by expansionist motives, not by farmer/herder disputes, highlighting that the area has neither farms nor cattle.
The elder statesman made this known when he spoke on behalf of Plateau elders during the visit of President Bola Tinubu to Plateau following the deadly Palm Sunday attack that claimed over 27 lives.
Jang argued that these attacks are rooted in political motivations with intertwined religious factors, reinforcing that the issue goes beyond traditional communal disputes.
Describing the President’s visit as a demonstration of “leadership, compassion, and solidarity,” the elder statesman acknowledged that the visit “brings comfort to grieving families, hope to the injured, and reassurance to all citizens impacted by these senseless acts of violence.”
He said, “Mr. President, we sincerely appreciate your presence here in Jos during this difficult time. We are especially grateful that you adjusted your official schedule to personally show solidarity with the people of Plateau State after the briefing you received from our son, the Governor, about the tragic attacks in Angwan Rukuba and other affected communities across the state.”
The former governor also reminded the President that the state, widely regarded as the Home of Peace and Tourism, is facing ongoing security challenges, particularly in rural communities, which, according to him, have led to the loss of innocent lives, displacement of families, and destruction of homes and livelihoods, leaving the people in deep distress and uncertainty.
Jang recalled that the challenges facing the state were not new, as, according to him, successive administrations in the state have battled similar security crises since 2001, which resulted in a state of emergency, through his administration, and those of former Governor Simon Lalong, and now under Governor Mutfwang.
He stated that despite various interventions, including judicial commissions of inquiries with practical recommendations, the problem had persisted and had worsened in some cases.
“It is on record that over 160 communities have been destroyed and occupied forcefully by armed groups, some of whom have openly admitted their responsibility for these crimes. Thousands of displaced persons are still unable to return to their ancestral homes due to ongoing insecurity.
“Disturbingly, there have been incidents where suspects linked to these crimes were transferred to Abuja, only for cases to lose momentum, with little or no accountability. This has further fueled the sense of injustice and vulnerability among our people.
“The recent attack in the heart of Jos highlights the increasing boldness of these perpetrators. It emphasizes the need to move beyond reactive measures and adopt proactive, intelligence-driven strategies to prevent such tragedies,” he stated.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies, Jang called for “more decisive and sustained action,” stating that there was a “critical need for increased deployment of security personnel, better intelligence gathering, and coordinated operations to dismantle the networks behind these attacks.”
Jang informed President Tinubu that the people have been encouraged by his directive to recruit forest guards and other measures to strengthen security, and called for deliberate steps towards ensuring that those to be recruited into the forest guards are locals who understand the environment better than outsiders.
On the issue of State Police, Jang said, “Mr. President, as Governor of Plateau State, I was among the first to advocate for the establishment of state police, but I was called unprintable names, and the then National Assembly failed to see the merit. Mr. President, we are grateful that you have decided to revisit the idea of State Police with vigour.
“However, if what the press reports that the Inspector General of Police has proposed in his submission to the National Assembly, that state police structure is ultimately placed under the Inspector General of Police with a three-year transition is accurate, then the concept is already compromised even before it begins.”
He also advocated for a meeting of stakeholders “to thoroughly examine the structure, drawing inspiration from the United States, where it has proven effective.
“Additionally, we humbly request the establishment of a special intervention fund to support rebuilding destroyed communities and facilitate the safe return of displaced families.
“Beyond security, it is crucial to address the root causes of these conflicts to ensure lasting peace and stability in Plateau State. Our people long for peaceful coexistence and productive lives.
“Despite these challenges, the people of Plateau State remain resilient and peace-loving, committed to Nigeria’s unity and progress.
“We reaffirm our continued support for your efforts to secure the nation and improve the welfare of all Nigerians. Looking ahead, we are ready to work collaboratively with your government to promote peace, stability, and development,” Jang stressed.
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