Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has described the ongoing violence and killings in parts of the state as coordinated criminal activity, not the widely-perceived farmer-herder clashes.
At the Fashion and Arts Exhibition organized by Tincity Fashion Week, titled “The Plateau Experience,” on Friday night in Abuja, Mutfwang condemned the violence and emphasized that the attacks were orchestrated by conflict merchants rather than arising from traditional agrarian disputes.
The governor’s remarks come after a series of brutal attacks on April 2 in the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. Gunmen launched attacks on the Manguno, Daffo, and Josho communities, killing numerous residents and destroying homes and valuable property.
The assault has left the affected communities devastated, with millions of naira worth of property destroyed.
Mutfwang, standing firm on his stance that the violence is a product of organized crime, vowed that both the state government and security agencies have implemented measures to prevent further attacks. He declared that the people of Plateau would not succumb to fear and would continue to rise above the adversities brought by these malicious groups.
“I want to thank all of you who are here to support and honour Plateau with your presence at this event. We do not take this show of solidarity lightly,” Mutfwang said.
He added that, despite considering the suspension of the event due to the state’s security situation, the government chose to proceed as planned, refusing to let the violence overshadow the positive events taking place in the state.
“We must not allow the situation to ruin the good things we have to celebrate. The aim of the enemy is to plunge the state into gloom and mourning, but we will rise above their intent and not give them what they want,” Mutfwang emphasized.
He assured Plateau residents that the government would not relent in its efforts to restore peace, saying, “For those who think that the current situation is a farmer-herder issue, let me disabuse your mind from that perception; it is a product of organized crime by malicious elements who do not want peace to reign in the state.”
He concluded his address with a strong assurance of victory: “I want to assure the good people of Plateau that God will give us victory over these miscreants, and their end has come.”
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The event, which was aimed at promoting Plateau’s tourism, arts, and business potential, was also praised by Mutfwang, who acknowledged the organizers for their efforts in putting the state on the global map.
The exhibition is seen as a step towards showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage and fostering economic development through the tourism sector.
Mr. Chuwang Pwajok, General Manager of the Plateau Tourism Board, described Plateau as a “goldmine” not only for tourism but also for its natural and mineral resources, which are waiting to be explored. Pwajok highlighted the state’s vast untapped potential, offering opportunities for growth and prosperity in various sectors.
Miss Christabel Bentu, representing the event’s organizers, expressed gratitude to Governor Mutfwang for his continuous support to the tourism industry and the overall development of the state. She praised the governor’s commitment to sustainable economic growth and efforts to drive development in Plateau.
Several dignitaries were present at the event, including former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen.
Crediblenewsng.com
