From Gyang Bere, Jos
Plateau State PDP governorship candidate Barr Caleb Mutfwang has condemned in totality the brutal killings of traditional rulers and other innocent villagers in rural communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Mutfwang, in a press statement in Jos, said he received with anguish and sorrow the attack on innocent communities and appealed to security agencies to redouble efforts in protecting law-abiding citizens in the state.
“I received with anguish the news of another round of attacks and killings in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“These attacks which left seven persons murdered in cold blood, are not only condemnable but provoking. At a time, people are beginning to settle into the normalcy of peaceful coexistence, these waves of attacks are capable of opening old wounds, and rehashing the ugly events of the past when such occurrences were met with reprisals.
“The targeting of traditional rulers, in this case, the two Village Heads who were among the casualties, presents a new dimension to the acts of terrorism on the Plateau. When the custodians of the culture, traditions, and heritage of our people are targeted and wiped out, it behoves us to understand the times.
“The Nigeria Police Force, and Operation Safe Haven, the task force charged with maintaining peace in the State, should as a matter of urgency intensify their efforts in Bokkos LGA to forestall the further escalation of the situation.
“I call on Operation Safe Haven, to also embark on another public awareness campaign to educate the people on the need to use the distress helplines that have been provided, to assist in terms of early warning signals, and during attacks or breaches of security.”
Mutfwang called on the public t be vigilant and report suspicious persons, movements, or activities to security operatives as soon as possible for swift action.
“Importantly, Plateau State Government must live up to its responsibilities. With the killings in Bokkos and the rising cases of kidnappings, the State is gradually becoming an open field for criminality.
“Government cannot be a spectator on the sidelines, especially with the primary responsibility of government being the security and welfare of citizens. That responsibility should not be abdicated in the name of political campaigns for 2023. Our people are being killed and abducted, therefore, attention must return home.”
Mutfwang also condemned the attack that perished one person and injured others at Fass village in Jol Community of Riyom Local Government Area and sympathised with the family of the deceased and the entire people of Bokkos and Riyom LGA, respectively.