Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, has called on security operatives to stop targeting scapegoats and go after the real perpetrators of crime and criminality.
Mutfwang made call when he visited Binda in Tahoss Village, Riyom Local Government Area of the State, the scene of a brutal, carried out by suspected Fulani militias.
Recall that 27 people were killed, in the early hours of Tuesday, by the suspected aforementioned militia.
The incident left many others injured, and resulted in the destruction of homes, including a church.
Also, food items belonging to villagers were also looted by the attackers, compounding the tragedy.
He said, “I want to hear of arrests, not excuses. The era of so-called ‘unknown gunmen’ is over. These killers live among us and must be brought to justice.
“Let them serve as an example to deter others who plan to destabilise our communities.
“To our security forces: you are not here on a peacekeeping mission. You are deployed to protect the lives and property of Nigerians.
“Anyone threatening these lives is an enemy of the state and must be treated accordingly,” he emphasised.
Disturbing eyewitness accounts from survivors revealed that the armed assailants invaded the community in large numbers, and military operatives stationed just hundreds of meters away couldn’t intervene successfully to prevent the carnage, with no arrests made in the aftermath.
Addressing the traumatized residents, the Governor condemned the killings in strong terms, and assured the people that his administration would not abandon them in their time of grief.
He pledged a comprehensive review of the state’s security architecture to ensure those charged with the protection of lives and property discharge their responsibilities without compromise.
“Let me promise you, by the grace of God, Riyom will not fall,” the Governor declared.
“We will deploy every resource at our disposal to end this genocide. This is not a case of farmer-herder conflict.This is terrorism; this is genocide, plain and simple. And I assure you, we will escalate this matter to the highest levels.”
Governor Mutfwang acknowledged the efforts of gallant soldiers who have stood firm in defense of Plateau communities but noted that some bad elements within the security agencies must be identified and removed for peace to reign.
“We cannot continue like this. These attackers are not spirits, real people carried out these atrocities and vanished without a trace. Sector Commander, you were in command when suspects were arrested over a soldier’s death. Why are there no arrests today?
“Those young men currently held must be released immediately unless you have solid evidence to charge them to court,” the Governor demanded.
He urged the affected communities to find solace in God, assuring that the government will organize a dignified burial for those killed and take steps to support those who lost their homes.
“To our elders and youth, please remain calm and vigilant. I thank our young people across these areas for their courage in defending their communities.
“We see you, we appreciate you, and we will continue to support you morally and otherwise to ensure that no one drives you from your ancestral lands.”
The Governor also extended his visit to Gwong, Fang, Keng, and Rachi communities in Bachit District of Riyom LGA, all of which have recently suffered similar deadly attacks. He sympathized with the people, encouraging them to remain resilient and steadfast in defending their ancestral heritage.
In his remarks during the visit, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Riyom LGA, Rev. Davou Musa, blamed the military for failing in its duty to protect the people.
He accused some personnel of complicity by shielding the attackers.
Musa also appealed for urgent humanitarian relief to support the survivors of the dastardly act.
