The Plateau Youths Peace and Progressive Forum (G17) held a Candle Night Memorial to mourn the souls of those who died following the unfortunate Christmas Eve attack which affected over 25 communities in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State.
The event which held on Sunday 7th December 2023 under the Secretariat Flyover bridge saw people from across the state from diverse backgrounds gather in their numbers. The group produced a banner which carried 3 names each of victims who lost their lives from the over 25 communities.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the Honorable Commissioner for Information and Communication Musa Ibrahim Ashom noted that though the state was going through trying times, assured the people of the State of the unwavering commitment of Government to safe her citizens. “Weeping may endure for the night but joy comes in the morning.” he said.
The Governor urged that actions for the implementation of state policing should be expedited pointing out that the current security architecture controlled by the Federal government was strained as a result of the multiple challenges it was confronted with.
While reacting the a statement credited to the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), alleging the killing of hundreds of their members days before the Christmas Eve attacks, the Governor described their position as as misleading and malicious. He issued strong warning about the spread of such false information.
He used the opportunity to clarify that the though the State Government had not declared Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th January 2024 as public holiday, he encouraged citizens to dress in black as the one week State mourning comes to an end.
Governor Mutfwang called for continuous prayers for Plateau State and the Plateau State Government as efforts to secure the state are intensified.
Also speaking at the event Leader of the Plateau Youths Peace and Progressive Forum (G17), Rev Joshua Sati, , expressed sadness and disappointment at the way in which people were killed, stressing the despondent reality of the fact that the precious and innocent lives were lost.
He urged government the alter the current National Security architecture, while also aligning with the earlier call for community policing as a necessary decentralization measure of the security command and and control structure for the benefit of the local communities.
In his own words he asked “When will Enough be Enough? It is time to change the security architecture of this nation, It is time for us to bring down security to the grassroots, through community policing; we are calling on the Government to do the needful,”
He appreciated everyone who attended the event for their dedication and support. Those present also included some members of the Plateau State Executive Council. He also acknowledged the support of Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos.
While acknowledging the federal government’s response, he urged the president to rise to the occasion and address the issue permanently.
The event concluded with the symbolic lighting of candles in honor of those who lost their lives during the unfortunate Christmas Eve attacks that claimed hundreds of lives across Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Mangu LGAs of the State.
Nigeria Star News 