By Israel Adamu, Jos
National Security Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Sunday visited Plateau State to commiserate with the government and people of the state over the recent gunmen attacks that killed over 54 persons in the state.
Mr. Ribadu, who briefed journalists in the state, said this invasion of Bokkos Local government would be the last to be experienced in the state, as assured by President Tinubu.
Ribadu who led a high-level delegation, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, also delivered the President’s condolences and commend the efforts of security agencies for thier efforts.
Ribadu emphasized the Federal Government’s firm stance that the recurring violence in the state must come to an end.
“On behalf of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I am here to greet the people of Plateau and extend his condolences over the recent crisis. The President is deeply concerned and says: enough is enough,” Ribadu stated.
While commending the prompt and effective response of the armed forces and other security agencies, Ribadu noted that the responsibility of maintaining peace must also be shared by local communities.
“Our security forces have done well. They acted swiftly to restore order and protect lives. Nigeria will continue to be grateful for their sacrifices. But our communities can do even better. We must now come together and say: enough is enough,” he appealed.
The National Security Adviser also affirmed that the Federal Government would intensify its efforts to ensure long-term peace and development across Plateau State and the country at large.
“Without peace, nothing else works—not education, not healthcare, not development. We will do whatever it takes to keep our people safe,” Ribadu stated.
Also in a related development,
In an outstanding show of empathy and leadership, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice and security for the people of Plateau State, particularly victims of recent attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area.
Addressing Plateau State indigenes residing in Abuja, the Governor declared that the pain of the people is his pain and pledged that no perpetrator of violence will go unpunished.
“We will no longer allow those arrested for crimes in our communities to walk free. I will pursue, and ensure the prosecution of, all those whose hands are stained with the blood of our people. They will face the full wrath of the law,” he stated firmly.
Governor Mutfwang briefed the audience on ongoing government efforts to address the insecurity in Bokkos and disclosed that new strategies are being introduced to guarantee the safety of farmers as the next planting season approaches.
“I want to assure you that the lives lost in Bokkos will not be in vain. Some advised that we cancel this meeting due to the tragic circumstances, but after wide consultations with our leaders both at home and in the diaspora, we decided to forge ahead. We cannot let those behind these heinous acts think they have broken our spirit. Yes, we are mourning, but by the grace of God, we are not defeated,” he said.
Reflecting on the broader context of the violence, Governor Mutfwang noted, “Since the December 2023 attacks, we had begun reclaiming our identity as the Home of Peace and Tourism. For over a year, we recorded no major incident. But these attacks are clearly orchestrated, deliberate attempts to impoverish and intimidate our people at the start of every farming season.”
He added, “Let it be known: we will farm this year. No amount of intimidation will stop us. I appreciate the outpouring of sympathy and support from Nigerians across the country. I’ve had deep consultations with security chiefs and I want to assure the people of Plateau State that everything possible will be done to protect lives and property.”
A statement signed by Gyang Bere
Director of Press and Public Affairs to Governor Mutfwang reads that he extended his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift response and firm commitment to restoring peace in the state. He commended the President for directing federal agencies to deliver relief materials to victims of the Bokkos attacks.
Governor Mutfwang confirmed that some masterminds of the attacks have already been apprehended and stressed that the era of arrest without prosecution is over.
“As your Governor, I make this solemn promise: anyone involved in spilling the blood of a Plateau citizen will be pursued and brought to justice. None of them will go scot-free,” he emphasized.
He urged the 54 ethnic nationalities of Plateau State resident in Abuja to remain united and uphold the core values of the state which are peace, unity, hard work, tolerance, excellence, and hospitality. He called on public servants and those in positions of influence to emulate the legacy of Amb. Bagudu Mutle Hirse, former Federal Permanent Secretary and Nigerian Ambassador to Namibia, whose life of fairness and service touched many.
Governor Mutfwang further appealed to citizens to give back to their communities and support one another, regardless of ethnic or religious differences. “Let each of us contribute to the progress and unity of Plateau State. Our strength lies in our togetherness,” he concluded.
