GOVERNOR Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau says the evil perpetrated by the attackers and sponsors of the recent mayhem in the state will not go unpunished.
In a state-wide broadcast Wednesday on the recent security incidents in the state, Mutfwang banned night grazing in all parts of the state following the spate of attacks and killings in some communities.
“As your governor, I stand resolved, Plateau shall not be overrun by fear, nor shall we accept this culture of bloodshed as the new normal.
“Let it be known, that the Plateau spirit is resilient, we are a people of peace, renowned for our hospitality and unity across religious and ethnic lines.
“Those who seek to tear us apart cannot succeed, Plateau will definitely continue its rise, nothing will stop it.
“To the killers and their sponsors, know this: your evil shall not go unpunished, you may run, but you will not hide.
“Plateau will prevail, Plateau will not fall, Plateau will stand tall, Plateau will continue to flourish, to the Glory of God.
Mutfwang who had highlighted some measures taken to forestall further reoccurrence of the attacks assured the people of the state that he would not ditch his constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and properties in the state.
“Let me reassure you all, my government is alive to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, and we are rising to the occasion more determined than ever.
“My administration is intensifying efforts to protect our people and enforce the rule of law across all local governments.
“We must protect our communities while upholding the rule of law, we therefore are activating community-based response systems.
“I urge traditional leaders and youth associations to reactivate local vigilante groups and organize night patrols in coordination with the security agencies.
“To restore calm and strengthen vigilance, I hereby announce the following measures, effective Wednesday, April 16th.
“Night grazing of cattle is strictly prohibited. Transportation of cattle by vehicle is banned after 7pm.
“The use of motorcycles is restricted from 7pm to 6am across the state until further notice” he stated.
It could be recalled that on April 2, gunmen attacked Hurti, Josho, Daffo, and other communities in Manguna District of the state.
Similarly, gunmen on Sunday attacked Zike and Kimakpa communities of Kwall District, Iregwe Chiefdom of Bassa.
In both incidents, the attackers killed scores and destroyed many houses and other properties.
Mutfwang, who also insisted that the killings were not an isolated conflict between farmers and herders, thanked President Bola Tinubu for his commitment towards achieving lasting peace in the state.
He promised to constitute a fact-finding committee comprising of respected independent voices, to investigate the root causes of the violence and offer actionable recommendations. (NAN)
