From Jude Dangwam, Jos

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has visited attacked communities of Bokkos and Mangu local government areas of Plateau State and assured affected communities of their resettlement.

Mutfwang stated this while conducting an on-the-spot assessment of communities recently attacked and displaced in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas at weekend.

He encouraged the displaced residents not to abandon their ancestral lands to strangers and land grabbers.

Addressing youths in the communities, the Governor urged them to resist distractions and channel their energies toward protecting their people and heritage, as they are the future leaders of their areas.

Speaking to displaced persons at Hurti in Manguna District, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding the destroyed communities and ensuring the safe return of all displaced persons to their homes. He emphasized that the government is doing everything within the law to provide adequate security, particularly in Bokkos LGA, to allow farmers access to their lands.

He noted that the timing of these attacks, during the farming season, is a calculated attempt to entrench poverty and hunger by denying people access to their farms and destroying their harvests.

“We are here to witness firsthand the devastation caused by these acts of banditry,” Governor Mutfwang said. “This village recorded one of the highest numbers of casualties in this coordinated act of terrorism and genocide. I’ve come not just to sympathize, but to assure you that this government stands firmly with you.

“We must rise above our differences, unite as a people, and resist the agenda of division. God did not make a mistake by planting you in this land. Government will do its part, and I urge the youth to play their role. President Tinubu has extended his condolences and stands with you in the quest for peace and justice.” Mutfwang stated.

At the St. Thomas Apostle Catholic Church in Bokkos, where many displaced persons are taking refuge, the Governor expressed deep sorrow over the conditions of those affected, while also commending the church for offering shelter. He promised that the government would work swiftly to ensure they are not left displaced for long.

Mutfwang also visited the mass grave site where many community members were buried. He pledged that a memorial would be erected in their honor. Prayers for the repose of their souls were led by Reverend Gideon Para-Mallam.

In his response, the District Head of Manguna, Chief Raymond Alo, thanked the Governor for the visit and for standing with the people in their time of distress. He revealed that some perpetrators of the attacks are known to members of the communities and, if given the opportunity, could be identified and brought to justice.

He also appealed to the Governor to intensify efforts in drawing federal attention to the plight of the victims and the urgent need for rebuilding their communities.

The Governor visited Tyop community in Mangu LGA which was violently attacked two years ago and expressed dismay that the displaced natives’ lands had been forcefully occupied, with some intruders erecting new buildings using materials taken from properties belonging to the original inhabitants.

Mutfwang directed security agencies to collaborate with community leaders and local government enumeration staff to document all structures in the area, when they were built, ownership of land, duration of settlement, and means of acquisition.

While reaffirming Plateau State’s reputation for hospitality, he insisted that those wishing to settle in any community must do so lawfully. He warned that any form of unlawful occupation or insubordination that could spark further violence would not be tolerated.

The Governor charged security heads to ensure the enumeration exercise is conducted peacefully, fairly, and with a sense of justice to all parties involved.

Mutfwang commended President Bola Tinubu’s intervention during the period of unrest, acknowledged the President’s support and pledged to personally brief him on the dire situation on the ground to facilitate stronger security measures.