A resounding call has been made for the immediate withdrawal of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and Special Task Force (STF) Commander, citing concerns over their handling of the security situation in the state following the multiple attacks in Plateau State leaving destruction, displacement, and the killing of scores of persons.
This call was made in a press conference held at the Taken Headquarters Hall in Jos, Plateau State, by Comr. Jerry Tongle Datim, President of the Global Society for Middle-Belt Heritage, while addressing the media to shed light on the recent wave of devastating attacks that have plagued several local government areas in Plateau State. The attacks, primarily targeting Mangu, Bokkos, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi LGAs, have resulted in the loss of lives and the destruction of properties worth millions of naira.
Comr Datim expressed deep concern over the escalating violence, highlighting two significant incidents. On April 14, 2023, during the transitional period under Governor Simon Lalong’s leadership, three villages—Murish, Jwak-Maitumbi, and Kyampus—fell victim to well-armed Fulani militias, resulting in the cold-blooded killing of six individuals. Additionally, on May 15, 2023, a simultaneous attack on thirty-nine villages took place, including Kantoma, Manja, Tyop, Alohon 1 and 2, Madi-Mangul, Dan-Hausa, Gaude, Kikyau, Farinkasa, Gudum, Dung-Munan, Kirana, Dungwel, Sarbot, Tukur, Gyambwas, Fungzai, Ruvwang, Kubwon, Timnanle, Mper, Danper, Chisu, Kombon, Changal, Ajing, Washna, Jwankchom, Kombili, Larkas, Kwakas, Tugun, Ndai, Jwakchan, Kuwes, Nting-Kombum, Sabon Layi, Vodni, Gongong, and Mbwon. The attacks claimed the lives of an estimated two hundred individuals, adding to the growing list of casualties.
In response to the dire situation, President Datim expressed gratitude to the Plateau ethnic communities that have shown support to the affected people. However, he expressed disappointment in the perceived lack of response from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), organizations known for their swift action during crises. President Datim urged SEMA to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities by promptly attending to the needs of the approximately thirty thousand internally displaced persons (IDPs) scattered across Mangu, Panyam, Mangu Halle, Yilpo (Sabon Gari), Fan in Barkin Ladi, Maikatako in Bokkos, Marish in Bokkos, Bukuru in Jos-South, and Jos North LGAs.
President Datim also drew attention to the alleged involvement of Sheik Yahaya Sani Jengre, a religious leader, in the attacks. He claimed that Sheik Jengre had previously voiced his opposition to the return of Jonah Jang’s regime and had mobilized mercenaries to execute his long-standing plan. President Datim called for the apprehension, investigation, and prosecution of Sheik Jengre, emphasizing that no religious leader should be above the law.
The impact of the attacks extends beyond loss of life and destruction. President Datim highlighted the disruption caused to education, with primary, secondary, and tertiary institution students in the affected LGAs missing examinations such as the Junior NECO Exams for JSS 3, ongoing Senior Secondary School Examinations (SSCE), and tertiary examinations due to forced migration as IDPs.
Regarding the role of the Special Task Force (STF), President Datim voiced concerns about their handling of the situation. While he acknowledged their attempts at mediation, he felt their response was inadequate or biased. He called for justice to be sought through the court system rather than relying solely on mediation.
President Datim mentioned specific incidents that have further exacerbated tensions, including the destruction of Pastor Finidi Bitrus’ farm, the attack on a local in Kyampus, the looting of food items and building materials by Fulani militias, and recent attacks on churches in Ajing and Kwahaslalek villages. He criticized the displacement of Fulani communities and accused the Ardos of harboring assailants, cautioning that any subsequent attacks would be the responsibility of the Ardos.
Despite the grim situation, President Datim emphasized the resilience and unity of the affected communities. He stated that while they have resorted to self-defense due to the failure of the Federal and State governments to safeguard their basic rights, they continue to seek justice through legal means. President Datim acknowledged the professionalism of the police and security agencies, expressing gratitude to sympathetic sister states and stakeholders for their support.
In conclusion, the press statement issued by the Global Society for Middle-Belt Heritage called for immediate action from government authorities to address the security challenges in Plateau State. The urgency to protect lives, provide assistance to displaced persons, and restore peace and stability to the region cannot be overstated. As the affected communities face uncertainty and anguish, their prayers for lasting peace remain steadfast, echoing throughout the land in the hope that their voices will be heard and their suffering alleviated. The gravity of the situation demands a swift and comprehensive response from all stakeholders involved, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the people of Plateau State.
