A socio-cultural group, Plateau Our Heritage Revival Initiative (POHri) has expressed sadness over the resurgence and unabated attacks, wanton killings, and destruction of property in some communities in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The group stated this in a statement signed by is Chairman Hon. Alex Kwapnoe and Comr. Friday Bako the Secretary of the group and made available to journalist in Jos on Friday, 19th 2023.

The statement further reads;

“This wicked act of criminality is highly condemnable and calls for more proactive and strategic measures to nip the ugly situation in the bud before it degenerates into a situation that may not be contained. We condemn these unprovoked killings in the strongest possible terms and call for speedy actions to stem further escalation. 

It is also sad that the attacks and killings are coming after intelligence information about possible attacks on the communities were in circulation before the attacks which led to large scale killing of innocent souls and the destruction of unquantifiable property. It is therefore incumbent on Government at all levels and the security agencies to live up to their constitutional responsibilities securing the citizens and State at large. 

Government and security agencies must make deliberate efforts to protect the lives and property of the Citizens which is their cardinal constitutional responsibility. 

*RECOMMENDATIONS*

1. It is important to make concerted effort towards not only arresting but neutralizing the perpetuators of this heinous crimes against humanity to serve as deterrence to other criminal elements. 

2. We have lost lives, property and means of livelihoods. Let it be on record that the killings are deliberate attempts by the attackers to kill, takeover and forcefully occupy the lands of the victims. This is the situation in many communities in Barikin Ladi, Riyom, Bokkos and Bassa LGAs that have been witnessing such hostilities.

It is obvious that Plateau State is under siege and the marauders are hellbent in achieving their genocidal and land grabbing plan. Therefore, Government and security agencies must be decisive in dealing with the criminal elements involved. 

3. We call on the Citizens to do what is expected of them to repel and protect themselves and their communities against this bloodsucking marauders. Government is called upon to look at our laws on gun handling and enact or amend the laws which supports stiffer penalties in a way that it may serve as its readiness to defend the people, after all, we are a federation.

4. We equally put a humble but urgent request on Government through its appropriate agencies such as National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and its State Counterpart, SEMA to as a matter of urgency set in motion plans to step in with relief that will ameliorate the sufferings of the people affected.

We sympathize with those who lost their loved ones and pray for their souls to rest in peace.