Buhari commends Gov. Lalong on efforts at securing Plateau State; Commissions State-Wide Projects

DANIEL DAUDA, Jos

 

President Muhammadu Buhari Friday at the State House, Abuja, lauded the Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, for his efforts at restoring peace and security in the State, adding that these have made Plateau safer to inhabit. He urged the citizens to continue to support the government’s commitment to making the State safer.

President Buhari stated this at the virtual commissioning of projects executed by the Lalong administration in various parts of the State.

According to the President, “Governor Lalong has worked hard to restore peace and security to Plateau State. His efforts have yielded positive results as Plateau is no longer perceived as a place to feel unsafe. Well done, Governor Lalong!

“I advise the citizens of this state to continue to work with the Government and security agencies in uniting against crises merchants who seek to exploit the diversity of the State for their selfish reasons.”

 

President Buhari used the occasion to strongly condemn the “cases of isolated attacks on innocent citizens in the rural areas such as the one that occurred this Tuesday where villagers including women and children were killed in Kubat, Mangu LGA,” giving assurances that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

The President also commended the Governor for demonstrating a commitment to continuity in governance by completing projects inherited from previous governments, charging the incoming administration in the state to emulate such in order to avoid wastage of resources.

 

“I challenge the incoming administration in Plateau State to build on what he has done and sustain the culture of continuity, especially, in the face of dwindling resources and large infrastructure deficit,” President Buhari said.

The projects inaugurated by President Buhari are; Flyover, Interchange and Dualisation of 1.7Km British – American Junction Road to Lamingo Roundabout; Radio – Diagnostic and Imaging Centre at Plateau Specialist Hospital; Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Command and Staff College at Lamingo, as well as the Inauguration of its Course 001/2023 which he believes will complement efforts at sustaining peace and security.

Meanwhile, The Church denominational leaders and spiritual fathers on the Plateau have described incessant killings of innocent souls in the state, especially communities of Mangu and Riyom Local Government Areas as devilish and barbaric.

 

A statement signed on Sunday in Jos the state capital by Rev.Dr. Stephen Panya, President, of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), on behalf of Plateau Church denominational heads and spiritual fathers, acknowledged that based on the aftermath of the Mangu LGA unprovoked attack, reports show that about 130 people were killed, 1,000 houses and 22 churches burnt down as 22 villages were affected.

 

He revealed that the church leaders are very deeply saddened by the resurgence of mindless killings of innocent citizens, mainly Christians, in Mangu and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State.

 

The killings which started in Mangu villages, Plateau state, Nigeria on Monday, 15th May 2023 by so-called unknown gunmen have claimed many lives and properties with many persons still missing.

 

“We the Church Denominational Leaders and Spiritual fathers on the Plateau, view this round of killings and destruction as devilish, barbaric and an act of genocide against innocent and armless villagers.

 

“This again is another sad commentary on the unabated bloodletting that has engulfed Plateau State over the years without any meaningful attempt by Government at federal and state levels to decisively address the unfortunate situation.

 

“For how long will this bloodletting continue? The persistent attacks and killings in Plateau state continue to raise a number of questions. Who wants to destroy Plateau State and why? Are the killers really ‘unknown’ gunmen and why do they always have sophisticated weapons and enough time to wreak havoc on innocent citizens? What has happened to those arrested in previous attacks? Are the security agencies in Plateau handicapped?

 

“If we must move forward as a peaceful, united and democratic nation, then these and many other questions must be answered through deliberate action by the government to bring these killings to an end and restore peace and tranquility in Plateau State and other troubled parts of the country.

 

“We the Church  Leaders and Spiritual Fathers are calling on the government and all security agencies to immediately stop this ongoing massacre and its spread to more communities.

 

“We also urge relevant emergency management agencies to urgently provide shelter and relief materials to the affected communities and bring them much-needed succor.

 

“We implore spirited individuals, groups, and organizations to also come to the aid of these devastated communities.

 

“We call on citizens to remain calm and peaceful in the face of this unwarranted persecution and trust that government and its relevant agencies will immediately restore normalcy and build the confidence of the people.

 

“We commiserate with families that have lost their loved ones and pray for God’s comfort, and healing and restoration to all those injured.

 

“The church must not relent in praying to God for his divine intervention, inner strength and perseverance for the people of Plateau State. Let us hold on to God’s promises and fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-3), the statement concluded.

 

 

For a better society

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