The traditional ruler of Afizere, Adagwom Izere Jos North, HRH Emmanuel Ajik has expressed sadness with the recurring attack on citizens of the state by yet to be identified criminals.
The paramount ruler said this in a statement to commiserate with the people of Yelwa Zangam community of Anaguta chiefdom in Jos North Local Government Area over recent attacks.
The statement signed by Senior Information Officer Jos North LGC, Philip Eplong and made available to journalists in Jos, the monarch said he is “highly disturbed and saddened by the recurring attacks on citizens of the state by yet to be identified criminals.”
While condoling with the immediate families, the Anaguta traditional council, the government of plateau State, Ajik stressed the need for prompt action to bring the attacks to an end stating that the state has so far witnessed series of attacks that have brought setback to the prevailing peace in the state.
He however, commended Governor Simon Lalong, the management committee chairman of Jos North local government, Shehu Unman for putting in place measures to calm and bring the situation under control.
The Adagwom Izere also called on the people of the LG to obey the curfew put in place by the government as according to him, security agencies are doing their best to fish out perpetrators and bring them to book.
Meanwhile, the Plateau Elders Forum has condemned in strong terms recent killing at Yelwa Zangam village of Jos North LGA as well the series of attacks at various locations in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Bassa and Riyom LGAs.
The Elders in a Press Release signed by its Chairman, Ambassador Yahaya Kwande said they are highly disturbed and outraged by these recurring brutal attacks on the citizens of the state by so-called “unknown gunmen” adding that it is especially more disturbing that these “unknown gunmen” have continued to carry out these dastardly acts without let, hindrance or challenge from the security agencies, even when, sometimes there is enough information that such attacks will be carried out in such communities and locations.
The Plateau Elders acknowledged the efforts so far made by the State and Federal Governments to tackle the resurgence of serious security breaches in the State but that these most recent incidents have apparently defied such efforts and called on the Federal and State Governments to, as a matter of urgency, engage in “robust review of the security strategies” being employed so as to prevent a recourse to “self-help” by the communities which are becoming increasingly despondent and agitated.
While condoling with families of all those affected by the latest attacks that led to gruesome murders and attacks of innocent citizens in the state as well as the Plateau State Government, the Forum frowned at what it termed “the inciting statements credited to both Muslim and Christian leaders” which they opined have the tendency to further inflame passions and exacerbate the already tensed atmosphere in the state.
“We therefore call on Government at all levels to call such leaders to order as part of measures to engender peace in the State.”