Our Reporter
“As a people, we cannot waste our precious time and energy in the name of discussing peace with the Fulanis until all forms of attacks against the people of Plateau State cease. They do not respect agreements at all; hence we have no confidence in them.”
These were the words of the National body of the Mwaghavul Development Association, MDA, following the latest attacks on some communities in Mangu LGA of Plateau State.
In a statement released in the wake of the recent attacks, the Association said it was saddened that Mangu LGA has become a subject of discussion on both print and electronic media for the wrong reasons adding that “the enemies have renewed their nefarious act of killing, maiming and destruction of lives and property which began in 2023.”
Giving the statistics of the persons affected by the latest attacks, the MDA in the statement signed by its spokesman, Mr Lawrence Kyaharshik said, “Recall that our people have been under intense attacks by Fulani Militias since April 2023, resulting in the deaths of many, destruction of homes, property and farmlands, with thousands today living in IDP camps painfully in their land.
“Then on the 17th of April 2024, two persons (Cpl Leonard Maigari of Nigeria Immigration Service under Operation Rainbow and Solomon Rinmak Lar, Security with Panyam Fish farm) were killed in Panyam District. The following day 18th April, 2024, the Fulani Militias laid siege on Tilengpat, Dighirkung and Punjighir in Pushit District leaving 11 people (i. Yaream Solomon Isa ii.Gabriel Yilse iii. Yaream Kohopshwan Solomon iv. Panmun Abes v. Shangkina Kilofas vi. Seplang Amadu vii. Godface Johnson viii. Kanke Justice ix. Answan Justice x. Nanret Sati xi. Titi Auta) dead and 8 people with different degrees of injuries. A mass burial was conducted for the peaceful repose of their souls on the 19th of April, 2024. On the 19th of April 2024, a second attack was carried again in Tilengpat leaving one person (Monday Kwari) dead.”
The Association added that it was already aware of the motivation for the attack, which was to displace the people and take over their ancestral land, the Association assured that the people would “continue to resist it even with the last drop of the blood that flows from our veins.”
“Stay away from us and leave us alone. We have been pushed to the wall and by the time we begin to push back, the consequences will be unbearable. Our patience is not weakness.”
While commiserating with all those who lost their loved ones in the recent attacks, the MDA also sympathized with the people of Bokkos and other LGAs that have been attacked and prayed for God to heal those who sustained injuries.
“The leadership of the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA) commiserates with all families whose loved ones were killed in the various attacks – Our God will avenge their murder. MDA also prays for those who sustained various degrees of injuries that the Lord God whom we serve will heal you completely.
“We wish to sympathize with our brothers in Bokkos LGA and other local government areas who are going through the same challenge as us. Let us continue to pray to God for comfort and intervention as we remain courageous.”
While urging the people to increase vigilance across all borderlands and report any suspicious movements or activities for immediate action, the Association, however, encouraged them to remain strong.
“The security agencies, particularly soldiers should do well in discharging their professional and constitutional duties of dealing with criminals as it ought to be to recover the confidence that the people are already losing in them. The bad eggs must be traced, removed and prosecuted before they corrupt the good ones amongst them.
“In conclusion, be strong our brothers, we will surely overcome one day. Though many have been killed, many are still being killed and many will still be killed again, we are hopeful that God will give us victory in the end.”