Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State on Monday said the State can be like Rwanda, which has now become a peaceful country and choice destination in Africa despite the crises that bedevilled it in the past.
He also said as a mark of honour to those killed during the Christmas eve attacks in the State, a one-week mourning has been declared in state, starting from 1st to 8th January, 2024.
He stated this during a statewide broadcast on the occasion of the new year celebration in Jos, the State Capital.
He said, “While it is true that we ended the year 2023 on a sad note because of the many precious lives we lost including but not limited to over 400 between April and June, 2023 as well as the over 160 in the recent Christmas genocide.
“From small eruptions of conflict sometime in 2001, no one could have imagined that our dear state would witness such unquantifiable bloodshed of innocent lives, some known and others unknown.
“It is quite grievous to my heart that Plateau State has today become the cynosure of the whole nation and indeed the world for the wrong reasons”, he decried.
According to him, “These unprovoked and simultaneous attacks in different villages were clearly premeditated and coordinated. These series of attacks on our people are a clear case of criminality, insurgency and terrorism and must be seen and handled in that manner if we must succeed in halting this wanton destruction of lives and property.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is a misrepresentation of facts to describe these needless and unprovoked attacks on our people as a Farmer-Herder clash as has always been the traditional narrative. Let us call a spade a spade, this is simple genocide! He maintained.
“As a mark of honour for the memory of the deceased, I wish to declare a week of mourning from January 1st, to January 8th, 2024.
“During this period of mourning, flags will fly at half-mast. I urge all citizens to use these days for intense prayers to seek the intervention of the Almighty God in defending our territories and against wicked men that have risen against us.
“I wish to plead with our Muslim clerics to dedicate Friday January 5th, 2024 and our Christian Clergy to use Sunday January 7th, 2024 as special prayer days for lasting peace to return to the Plateau. Monday 8th January, 2024 will be observed as our official state day of mourning”, the Governor explained.
“It is gratifying that despite these onslaughts, our spirits are not broken. Our resolve to defend our land and prosper therein has remained unshakeable. I am therefore confident that 2024 will reveal our inner strength and resilience in the face of these tribulations”, he admonished.
“Let me state emphatically, that I do not take for granted your unwavering support and confidence in my ability to lead you at this trying period of our evolution as a people. The year ended was a year of fulfilment and tribulations.
“I recall how you queued in the sun to give me your mandate to lead you. You did not only turn out in large numbers to vote but you ensured that your votes counted. I owe you a debt of gratitude and I am committed to repay this debt by providing purposeful leadership”, Mutfwang assured.
“Fellow citizens, God is with us and He will give us victory over our adversaries. ‘The Lord is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble’.
“Let me reassure you that I am confident and remain resolute that we shall overcome the challenges of insecurity that has bedevilled our state and Plateau shall remain the home of Peace and Tourism.
“If Rwanda has become peaceful and a country of choice destination in Africa after many years of Internal wars and crises, Plateau shall be a choice destination not just in Nigeria or Africa, but in the world.
“We are blessed with clement weather; abundant natural and human resources and our people are hospitable”, he maintained.
“Despite the gloomy end of 2023, I am proud to state that we have recorded some tangible gains starting from May 29th, 2023 when we were sworn into office.
“In the midst of the mindless murders which began late April, we immediately swung into action to revamp the security apparatus which resulted in the relative peace we attained until the recent setbacks.
“Let me use this medium again to commiserate with my dear Plateau People on these monumental killings, especially the affected communities and the families of the deceased.
“My heart goes out to you and be assured that my family, the entire government and I deeply share in your grief. We will not rest on our oars but will tirelessly collaborate with the Federal Government to bring an end to these tragedies and bring succour to affected persons and communities.”
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