Author Archives: Oracle/Kwararafa Newspapers

Okwuta Audu Jos

Plateau former Governor Senator Jonah David Jang Jang advocated that States should be given the power to create, train and equip their police to enable State Governors deal with peculiar security situations in their various states

Jang in a statement in Jos on Saturday through his media Consultant Clinton Garba which was made available to Kwararafa Reporters said More than ever, the time to heed the call for state policing is now.

He commiserated with the families that lost loved ones during the Christmas Eve attack on communities in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local government areas of Plateau State.

Jang lamented that “This dastardly act has once again tampered with the peace of our dear state as it was orchestrated by people who are hell-bent on ensuring that the ordinary Plateau man does not enjoy the serenity God through nature has bestowed on him.”

Jang wondered why the evil minded armed men and the enermies of his state choose to murder harmless villagers in their homes as they prepared to celebrate the yuletide, describing the act as the most horrendous wickedness that anyone could imagine

“None of the hundreds of our people who lost their lives in the Christmas Eve attack by marauding terrorists envisaged that their lives would be cut short in such a gruesome manner.”

He lamented that the killings on the plateau would seem to have gone on unabated as the non-arrest and prosecution of perpetrators have bolstered the serial killers to carry out more and more killings.

” Unfortunately, villagers in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Riyom and Mangu LGAs have continued to bear the brunt of terrorists who seem to have sworn to dispossess them of their heritage at all costs.”

He alleged that these killers are out on a cleansing agenda and plan to take over the lands of the people they try to wipe out is no longer hidden.”

“As painful as these killings are, equally hard and painstaking efforts must be made to put an end to them to restore Plateau to its known peaceful atmosphere which made it home to many people, even in decades past.” He demanded

“While we agree with the President that the culprits must be apprehended and made to face prosecution, we must note that these directives have been issued repeatedly. Yet, neither arrests nor prosecutions have been made in the past. It is therefore pertinent that at this point, there is the need to attend to the call for State police as part of measures for boosting security, ensuring early response in crises and confronting the challenges of insecurity headlong.”

He qurried a situation where State Governors have no powers to immediately deploy personnel to quell attacks and confront marauding terrorists is worrisome.

“The killings are getting out of hand and the State Police option is viable for nipping these massacres in the bud.”

Jang advocated that States should be given the power to create, train and equip their police to enable State Governors to deal with peculiar security situations in their various states.
More than ever, the time to heed the call for state policing is now.

The National Assembly must take this call seriously and rise to the occasion, act in the interest of the Plateau People and consider the issue as a matter of urgent importance.

“While we commend the efforts of the Federal and Plateau State Governments in responding to the recent attacks, we reckon that more can be done to stop the seeming non-stop attacks and needless loss of the lives of innocent villagers who are murdered while in their sleep or as the struggle on their farms to eke a living for themselves.”

“There is more that can be done, the endless killings are unacceptable, and our people must be allowed to stay in their homes, and continue to cultivate their farmlands without any intimidation or fear of unprovoked attacks which leave them homeless or decapitated.”

“We join millions of Plateau people and our well-wishers in sending our heartfelt condolences to the families that have lost loved ones in the recent attacks. We are sore and grieved but consoled that the blood of the innocent will not go unavenged, if not here, in the hereafter.”

He called on the people to cooperate with the State Government which has shown commitment to ensuring the safety of Plateau citizens.

“The killings have assumed a dimension where inhumanity seems to have overtaken humanity but whatever the intentions and purposes of the terrorists, Plateau will survive, thrive and stand tall as the home of peace and tourism.” Jang said

By Okwuta Audu Jos

As part of his contributions to building a society guaranteed a secure future, Politician and Philanthropist, Chief Kefas Ropshik has urged the elite and the political class to be intentional about the welfare of those within the margins in society Mr. Ropshik who celebrated both his birthday and 15th year anniversary in philanthropy and humanitarianism distributed food and other critical items worth millions of Naira to widows and children.

Speaking about his sojourn of touching lives so far, chief Kefas said “I thank God for the enablement to do this despite the challenges through the years, it is not easy to do what we’re doing consistently but here we are by the grace of God.

“Adopting children that are not related to you directly by blood comes with its down sides because they have their uniqueness.

“We are appreciative of the fact that despite all these, they’re doing well, including academically.”

He goes further to urge capable citizens to take the challenge of adopting children in order to guarantee a better future for society, pointing that failure to do so can attract consequences.

The business magnet announced the purchase of a brand new house in Jos for his adopted children who were hitherto, living at a rented apartment as well as a bus for ease of transportation.

Over four hundred bags of rice and many more items were given to women who are largely widows to celebrate the festive season.

Chief Kefas who is also engaged in youth empowerment has impacted and touch so many lives, just recently he launched an entertainment hub on the plateau, the distribution of rice and other gift items  which began on Tuesday with people From Pankshin, Kanke and Shandam local Government areas of the State Climax with the Birthday of Chief Kefas Ropshik on Thursday at the Mees Palace event Center Jos, where over 600 widows and Orphans went home

with bags of Rice and other Gift.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kefiano Foundation, Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik, speaking about the insecurity the state is facing raised alarm calling on Plateau people to team up and unit fight the common enemy because the security have failed in protecting their lives and territorial
integrity, and he also call on politicians to stop playing politics with the recent happenings but rather join hands and the unite to fight against the enemy of the state.

Chief Kefas Ropshik made the call recently, in an interview with Journalists on the occasion of his birthday, held at mess Palace, Rayfield, Jos, the Plateau State capital where he distributed food items worth millions of Naira to over six hundred (600) widows, orphans and Persons With Disabilities (PWD).

According to him, “it is a very sad moment and quite unfortunate that this is happening to Plateau State. But, of course, we will always call on government to do the needful especially, we the Plateau people. It is getting to a time that we cannot fold our arms and wait for government.

“We must think outside the box on how our people can be protected, and this goes directly to the state government. We must build our internal security to protect us. Katsina State, today, trained people and armed them with AK 47. I think it is getting to the stage that  Plateau people need to do that. We need to do that!

“They are killing our people like animals and we cannot fold our arms and be waiting for security because, the security have failed us. We cannot imagine these people coming to kill people the first day, come back the second day and the third day. It means they are within the vicinity”, he enthused.

“We must learn to unite and speak one voice and not for political gains. I seriously frawn at it and that is the truth. We are tired of waiting for government. I am a victim of this carnage because I have adopted 20 children whose parents were slaughtered in their presence. How long are we going to continue in that?

He said if the government in power today is APC, PDP or Labour Party, it’s high time everybody came to support the government. Government too should learn how to involve every stakeholder regardless of political party so that, they will contribute to the security and success of Plateau State.

And also speaking with one of the widow Jummai Jonathan who benefited from the items given by chief Kefas said her joy know no bound as the items she received will go along way to feed and take care of her family she also said just recently her son benefited from the scholarship given by Chief Kefas to study at the university, “she send her profound appreciation to God almighty and chief Kefas for the wonderful thing that he has been doing by impacting on lives of the less privilege in the society and pray for God to continue to bless him.

Speaking with one of the widow Jummai Jonathan who benefited from the items given by chief Kefas said her joy know no bound as the items she received will go along way to feed and take care of her family she also said just recently her son benefited from the scholarship given by Chief Kefas to study at the university she send her profound appreciation to God almighty and chief Kefas for the wonderful thing that he has been doing by impacting on lives of the less privilege and pray for God to continue to bless him.

Philanthropist Calls for Unity over plateau attacks

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kefiano Foundation, Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik, has raised alarm calling on Plateau people to team up and fight the common enemy because the security have failed in protecting their lives and territorial integrity.

He made the call in an interview with Journalists on the occasion of his birthday, held at Crystal Palace, Rayfield, Jos, the Plateau State capital where he distributed food items worth millions of Naira to over six hundred (600) widows, orphans and Persons With Disabilities (PWD).

The CEO said, “it is a very sad moment and quite unfortunate that this is happening to Plateau State. But, of course, we will always call on government to do the needful especially, we the Plateau people. It is getting to a time that we cannot fold our arms and wait for government.

We must think outside the box on how our people can be protected, and this goes directly to the state government. We must build our internal security to protect us. Katsina State, today, trained people and armed them with AK 47. I think it is getting to the stage that Plateau people need to do that. We need to do that!

“They are killing our people like animals and we cannot fold our arms and be waiting for security because, the security have failed us. We cannot imagine these people coming to kill people the first day, come back the second day and the third day. It means they are within the vicinity”, he enthused.

Ropshik, however, said that sharing security numbers to the public was not enough because the time of their response to distressed calls was one big question and one major challenge the people were struggling with, hence the need for people to protect themselves.

We must learn to unite and speak one voice and not for political gains. I seriously fraud at it and that is the truth. We are tired of waiting for government. I am a victim of this carnage because I have adopted 20 children whose parents were slaughtered in their presence. How long are we going to continue in that?

He said if the government in power today is APC, PDP or Labour Party, it’s high time everybody came to support the government. Government too should learn how to involve every stakeholder regardless of political party so that, they will contribute to the security and success of Plateau State.

According to him, this is not time for politicking, it is time for governance so all should be invited to contribute what he or she thinks would bring to the success of Plateau State.

Philanthropist Calls for Unity over plateau attacks

Attai Audu, Jos

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kefiano Foundation, Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik, has raised alarm calling on Plateau people to team up and fight the common enemy because the security have failed in protecting their lives and territorial integrity.

He made the call
in an interview with Journalists on the occasion of his birthday, held at Crystal Palace, Rayfield, Jos, the Plateau State capital where he distributed food items worth millions of Naira to over six hundred (600) widows, orphans and Persons With Disabilities (PWD).

The CEO said, “it is a very sad moment and quite unfortunate that this is happening to Plateau State. But, of course, we will always call on government to do the needful especially, we the Plateau people. It is getting to a time that we cannot fold our arms and wait for government.

We must think outside the box on how our people can be protected, and this goes directly to the state government. We must build our internal security to protect us. Katsina State, today, trained people and armed them with AK 47. I think it is getting to the stage that Plateau people need to do that. We need to do that!

“They are killing our people like animals and we cannot fold our arms and be waiting for security because, the security have failed us. We cannot imagine these people coming to kill people the first day, come back the second day and the third day. It means they are within the vicinity”, he enthused.

Ropshik, however, said that sharing security numbers to the public was not enough because the time of their response to distressed calls was one big question and one major challenge the people were struggling with, hence the need for people to protect themselves.

We must learn to unite and speak one voice and not for political gains. I seriously fraud at it and that is the truth. We are tired of waiting for government. I am a victim of this carnage because I have adopted 20 children whose parents were slaughtered in their presence. How long are we going to continue in that?

He said if the government in power today is APC, PDP or Labour Party, it’s high time everybody came to support the government. Government too should learn how to involve every stakeholder regardless of political party so that, they will contribute to the security and success of Plateau State.

Saying this is not time for politicking, it is time for governance so all should be invited to contribute what he or she thinks would bring to the success of Plateau State.

Okwuta Audu Jos.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau state on Thursday received in audience President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria Bishop Wale Oke and the leadership of Northern Senators Forum over the Christmas Eve attacks and killings of natives of Bokkos and Barkinladi LGAs of his state which the visitors described as callous, inhuman and barbaric.

Mutfwang told his visitors that the church leaders and Northern Senators have a role to play in promoting Peace, seek religious harmony and come to the aid of displaced person’s in Plateau state .

Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, highlighted the pivotal role of the Church in fostering peace and harmonious coexistence in Nigeria.

He stressed on the need for collaborative efforts among religious groups to address the prevalent security challenges affecting Plateau and parts of the Middle Belt.

Governor Mutfwang made these remarks on Thursday during a condolence visit at New Government House Little Rayfield, Jos, where he received Bishop Francis Wale-Oke, the President/ Northern Senators Forum Leadership On Solidarity visit Over Attacks And Recent Killings In Plateau.

He expressed his gratitude to the PFN’s leadership visit, and acknowledged its potential to boost the morale for bereaved families and inspire further government action to address the ongoing unrest.

Mutfwang said he entered politics to contribute to Plateau State’s development and
urged religious leaders, including the PFN, to support his efforts in making the state a source of national pride.

He strongly condemned the recent killings in his state and reaffirmed his commitment to employing legal measures to secure both the people and borders of Plateau State.

Earlier the PFN President Bishop Francis Wale-Oke condemned the recent spate of attacks in the state, describing them as senseless and barbaric.

He called on the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the recurring security challenges in Plateau State, and declared the PFN’s solidarity with the affected people.

Same day, Governor Mutfwang also welcomed the Northern Senator’s Forum, led by their Chairman, Senator Abdul Ningi.

The governor appealed to the Federal Government for increased support for victims of the attacks, urging additional funds in the 2024 budget for the resettlement of displaced persons.

He expressed gratitude for the visit and thanked President Bola Tinubu for sending a delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, saying this is a demonstration of the political will to combat coordinated violence in Plateau.

He also emphasized on the need for federal support to address the humanitarian crisis resulting from the attacks.

On his part,Senator Abdul Ningi, representing the Northern Senator’s Forum, expressed deep sorrow over the Christmas eve attacks in Plateau State and decried the general insecurity in the northern region…

He called for unity and tolerance among the people to effectively address the ongoing challenges.

Okwuta Audu Jos

A group, Initiative for Better and Greater Nigeria (IBBN), has called on the Federal Government to establish State Police as a solution to the current security challenges confronting the states of the nation.

Prophet Isa El-buba, the Convener of the group made the call at a Press conference on Thursday at his Jos residence.

El-buba was reacting to the Christmas eve killings in some communities of Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau.

According to El-Buba gunmen invaded over 84 communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi LGAs in Plateau state and killed scores, injured many others, destroyed houses and properties worth millions of naira.

” The ugly incident left 29,350 persons displaced and currently taking refuge in some worship centres within Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi towns.”

Prophet El-Buba who is the General Overseer of Evangelical Bible Outreach Ministry International (EBOMI) described the killings as ‘heart-wrenching and stressed that the only way out is the establishment state police in all the states of the federation including FCT to compliment the efforts of the federal security architecture.

”One of the recommendations we want to make is that we call on the federal goverment to do a constitutional alterations to provide for state policing.

”This will compliment obviously overstretched and insufficient central security operatives who need longer time to reinforce to locations where citizens need urgent help.

”So, we call on the President Bola Tinubu to halt his holidays and return to service security by sending a comprehensive bill for state policing to the National Assembly.

”This move will forestall the audacious regular killings and maiming of poor Nigerians in ungoverned spaces with very small security presence,”he said.

El-buba commended the efforts of Plateau state government headed by Governor Mutfwang toward ensuring lasting peace returns to all parts of the state, and called on the security agencies to compliment government’s efforts.

He also called on the security agencies to intensify efforts towards tackling the menace of insecurity and challenges confronting the state.

He particularly commended groups and individuals in Nigeria for speaking against the killings, adding that such move had further unite the people of Plateau state.

Okwuta Audu Jos

Senator Simon Mwadkwon has expressed deep concerns over the neglect of security alerts by the security operatives leading to the recent attacks in some communities in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State on Christmas Eve resulting in the death of many people and property worth hundreds of millions of naira destroyed.

Addressing newsmen at his residence in Jos on the ugly development, the former Senate Minority Leader noted with regrets that there was no response by way of enhancing security measures despite security alerts on impending attacks on these communities, arguing that adequate security measures would have averted the carnage visited on members of these communities.

“Our pain is that before these attacks, intelligence was circulated to virtually all security agencies with access to information, predicting that this attack was going to happen.

“People were to be killed. But I’m sure, very sure, pretty sure that no proactive action was taken. And that is why the attack was able to take place, leading to the loss of lives and property”.

Mwadkwon also expressed concerns over the arrest of some of the locals adding that instead of apprehending the perpetrators of the heinous act, security operatives choose to arrest the innocent locals who were protecting themselves.

“The aggrieved persons are the ones that have been arrested by the security agents leaving the culprits,” Mwadtkwon said.

He called on the federal government to muster the political will and bring an end to the wanton killings in Plateau State in particular and Nigeria at large by ensuring that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with our laws in addition to tightening up security and intensified efforts to protecting the lives and property of helpless citizens.

“Why these attacks have continued unabated is because the perpetrators always go free. Nobody has ever been arrested and dealt with in accordance with our laws to serve as deterrent to others and that is why they are emboldened.

“I don’t want to believe that these people are ghosts. They are human beings and must be arrested and made to pay for their crimes. These killings must not be allowed to continue anymore. People must be made to account for the atrocities they have committed”.

Sen. Mwadtkwon further posited that the recent attacks could be an attempt to deter Governor Caleb Mutfwang, pull and distract him from his good vision and mission for the people of Plateau as noticed in his giant strides in infrastructural development, and other efforts aimed toward alleviating the suffering of the people.

“But the Caleb Mutfwang that I know will not be deterred. Though saddened by the ugly development, I know he won’t get demoralized or discouraged”, he said.

Senator. Mwadtkwon also urged the security forces to weed out the bad ones in their ranks and files for commitment and efficiency to service.

★ As Mutfwang visit survivors in JUTH .

Okwuta Audu Jos

Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,Kashim Shettima and Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang on Wednesday visited the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) that were affected by suspected Herders attacks in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State.

Accompanied by National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and top government officials, the Vice President addressed the IDPs at Bokkos Mini Stadium during which he expressed his sympathy to the people and government of Plateau State over the Christmas Eve attacks in Bokkos and Barkinladi LGAs of Plateau state.

Shetima assured the government and people of Plateau state that Federal Government has initiated measures to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Shetima emphasized the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to dispense justice, conveying the President’s deep sympathy to the affected families.

He lamented the unfortunate incident that marred the joy of Christmas in Plateau and other parts of the nation, stating that the government will not rest until the perpetrators are brought to justice.

“My dear people of Bokkos, we are here to sympathize with you over the recent killings. You are not alone; this government, particularly the President, stands with you. We are here to deliver justice, the path to our collective unity and peace. We will not rest until you all access justice and end the security challenges confronting this state,” the Vice President stated.

He described the killings as mindless, unfortunate and barbaric .

He renewed his appeal to the people of Plateau State to remain resilient, trusting on God to overcome the current challenges.

Responding,Governor Mutfwang, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for delegating the Vice President, the National Security Adviser and all security Chiefs to come and evaluate all the contending issues afresh towards facilitating continued dialogue and harmonization of ideas in the collective interest of the people of Plateau State.

Mutfwang said the visit of the Vice President was a demonstration of a strong political will towards ending all forms of insecurity confronting the state.

”We are here to sympathise with you and as governor of this state, my heart is so heavy. But the visit of the Vice President is a clear demonstration of the political will to deal with the situation; the shedding of blood has to stop.”

He added, “We appeal to the Federal Government to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act and be made to face the full wrath of the law”.

The Vice President, Governor Mutfwang and the National Security also addressed Plateau elders across religious and party lines and sued for tolerance, peace and unity for the collective growth and development of the people.

Governor Mutfwang later visited the injured Victims of Bokkos and Barkinladi LGAs Herders attacks at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) during which he assessed their conditions for prompt medical response and support.

Mutfwang offset the medical bills of Ezekiel Dalyop and Yeipeng who were discharged in the last six months but could not pay their medical bills.

Among those who were part of Mutfwang visit to JUTH includes, Senator Simon Lalong, Senator Joshua Dariye, Senator Simon Mwadkwon, Senator Diket Plang, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, several traditional rulers, Secretary to the Government of Plateau, Arc. Samuel Jatau, Chief of Staff, Engr. Jeremiah Satmak, Commissioners and Heads of Agencies.

Okwuta Audu Jos

A coalition of 32 indigenous peace mediation groups in Plateau State has condemned the Christmas Eve gorilla attacks in some parts of the state where many people were killed, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries

The group of peace-building organizations operating under the aegis of Coalition of Plateau State PeaceBuilders Forum, expressed sadness that the peace recently achieved in the state through the intervention of Government and security agencies, especially Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) has been jeopardized.

The group, described the renewed calculated and brutal attacks as barbaric, senseless, and without justification in any form.

They tasked the federal government and the security agencies not to let the killers escape, insisting that “those who committed this evil must be fished out, arrested, and brought to face justice.”

The coalition commended the OPSH Commander and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, and his team for their swift response and professional intervention, which it said did not only quelled the situation but stopped it from escalation.

The group in a statement signed by Amb. Melvin Ejeh, Executive Director, Global Peace and Life Rescue Initiative (GOPRI); Dr. Peter Bot, National Coordinator, Community Action for Peace Initiative and Engr. Obadiah Muchen which was made available to Kwararafa Reporters, passed a vote of confidence on the OPSH Commander and his team for their commitment to their assigned duties.

The coalition flayed allegations of connivance leveled against the internal security outfit and its Commander, noting that contrary to the assertion, OPSH and its Commander have done well in not only securing the lives and property of people but also on a mission to restore permanent peace in the state.

The groups noted that before the renewed attacks on some communities, there was a total restoration of peace by security agencies, notably Operation Safe Haven.

The coalition advised those always in the habit of criticizing security agencies for channeling the same energies into supporting them and energies into supporting them and providing intelligence information.

The Coalition, which said it has since carried out an in-depth investigation of the crisis in the area, exonerated the internal military outfit and its Commander, noting that rather than being blamed, they deserved accolades for standing up to their professional callings, which they noted, were primarily responsible for the level of peace and tranquility the people of the state were enjoying before the renewed attacks.

The group said: ‘”As peace- building non-governmental organizations that have traversed the nooks and crannies of Plateau State to enthrone lasting peace in the state, we are saddened by the renewed attacks on some communities in Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi local government areas, which left several people including women and children dead in cold blood at a time Christians all over the world are celebrating Christmas.

“We condemn these callous, brutal, unwarranted, and senseless attacks in the strongest terms possible. We are saddened by this kind of heartlessness and barbarism displayed by some suspected criminal herdsmen, who take delight in perpetually making Plateau State ungovernable at a time when Governor Caleb Mutfwang and critical security stakeholders, notably Operations Safe Haven, the military outfit, saddled with the internal security of the state have worked so hard to restore peace to the once troubled state. This madness is talking too far, and we must come together to stop it at once.”

The coalition, while noting that without the tireless commitment of the GOC and his team to their mandate, the state would have been in a very terrible state of crisis.

“We want to, without any equivocation, pass a solid and unbiased vote of confidence on the General Officer Commanding GOC/Commander Operations Safe Haven, Major General AB Abubarkar and his men for their commitment to ending the circle of violence in Plateau.

“This was demonstrated by him and his men’s swift response to all the trouble areas within minutes of the attacks. Their prompt reaction led to minimal casualties and damage that the killer herders intended.

“While we must acknowledge that at a time like this, emotions will be high, people will play politics, and crisis merchants will take advantage of this, we, however, appeal to Nigerians to be patient and patriotic in their reactions, especially to our security agencies.

“Instead, they should proffer possible solutions to end this circle of violence in a Plateau State.

“We are speaking as organizations that have visited the locality and have a good knowledge of the place.”

The coalition, which explained that while it was not trying to provide an excuse for Operation Safe Haven or other security agencies for the attacks, it noted that “the facts are that the terrains are not easily assessed with vehicles.”

“While not holding a brief for Operation Safe Haven, as indigenous peace-building groups in the state, we will not sit and watch innocent persons be roped into the unfortunate situation in the state,” it said.

The coalition said: “We know that most terrains in the state have poor communication network, bad roads, and high ground, which make it impossible for even any Army in the world to do magic when there is a need for an emergency response to the attack.”

“With available information at our disposal, we wish to say that due to the lack of workforce in the country, troops cannot be stationed in every village. It is not practical.

“Most of the roads are inaccessible to vehicles; this practically makes it impossible for troops to respond with the speed expected of them,” it explained.

The statement further read: “We wish to state here that this smear campaign against the Commander and OPSH is calculated to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of the person of the GOC 3 Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven, who is a fine officer and a tested professionally, well known to have bravely and gallantly fought in defense of our country, both locally and internationally without blemish.”

“We must, therefore, give him the necessary cooperation and support him to succeed and not resort to a cheap campaign of calumny.

“The desperation of these blackmailers shows that they have some sponsors somewhere. We, therefore, urge them to stop this madness immediately

“Security agencies cannot be in every community, and we should not expect the impossible.” The group claimed that credible evidence from the field when our team visited some of these communities this morning suggested highly planned actions with International assailants among the killers.

“Five eyewitnesses who narrowly escaped death confirmed to our team that the assailants were speaking French and other languages while killing and burning their houses, and they went straight to look for the homes of people from a particular tribe.

“Our findings all revealed that the attacks have some political dimension as the assailants mainly target the houses of persons from a particular tribe where the state governor hails from.

“We wish to commend the officers and men of OPSH for neutralizing some of the bandits, and our hearts go to OPSH over the severe injuries incurred by some soldiers during the counterattack.

“We kindly appealu to those who earn a living from crisis to visit the communities and get first-hand information rather than quoting alarming figures.”

Okwuta Audu Jos

Plateau State Governor, His Excellency Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has urged Christians in Plateau and worldwide to embrace the spirit of love, peace, and unity during the Christmas celebration.

Addressing the congregation at a Christmas Service held at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Number One, RCC Ampang West, in Mangu Local Government Area, Governor Mutfwang expressed deep sorrow over the recent unprovoked attacks in Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas, where lives were lost and property destroyed.

Governor Mutfwang highlighted the unfortunate incidents that occurred in the days leading up to Christmas, and expressed regret at the loss of lives and destruction in the affected areas. He called on Plateau residents, especially those directly affected, to remain resilient and steadfast in protecting the state’s heritage amidst the security challenges.

“We celebrate Christmas with heavy hearts due to the insurgency in Mangu, Bokkos, and parts of Barkin-Ladi LGAs. “Despite the recent attacks, we must stand firm. God will fight for us; we are not here by accident but by divine ordination,” the Governor stated.

He urged citizens to turn towards God in these trying times, emphasizing God’s role as a refuge and help. Governor Mutfwang discouraged extravagant celebrations beyond one’s means and appealed to individuals contemplating wrongdoing to redirect their energies towards selfless service to God and humanity.

The Governor extended his condolences to the bereaved families, praying for the eternal rest of the departed. He encouraged people to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities for prompt security response.

The sermon delivered by RCC Chairman Ampang West, Rev. Peter Mangset, focused on the essence of Christmas— the birth of Jesus Christ—calling on Christians to exemplify love and share with the less privileged.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Transition Implementation Committee Chairman of Mangu local Government area Hon. Markus Artu appreciated Governor Mutfwang, for finding time to celebrate Christmas with his people, describing him as a God saint to the People of Plateau.

Governor Mutfwang, later attended a reception in his honour by the People of Ampang West.

Addressing a cheering crowd at the central football field, Ampang West, Governor Mutfwang appreciated their support during the last elections and called for sustained prayers for divine intervention in the state’s renewed security challenges.

Accompanying the Governor were Chief of Staff, Engr. Jeremiah Satmak, Head of Service, Plateau State, Barr. Rauta Dakok, Commissioners, Special Advisers, and Heads of Government Agencies.