The Northern Governors’ forum has condemned the recent attacks leading to loss of lives and destruction of properties in Plateau State.
The governors condemned the attacks during their condolence visit to Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau on Saturday in Jos.
The delegation, led by Kebbi Governor, Abubakar Bagudu, said the killings portended great danger to the progress of the state and the region.
“We condemn all acts of violence in Plateau and else where,” he said.
Bagudu expressed the forum’s support for all security measures taken by Lalong to restore and maintain peace in the state and urged the people to support Lalong in his efforts to bring development to the state.
The governors condoled with the families of those who lost their lives.
“If there is anything we can do individually or collectively to support maintenance of peace, please be assured that we are available to it.
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“We commend all security agencies for the continuous support in restoration of peace in Plateau and elsewhere,” he said.
Gov. Bagudu pointed out that it was the commitment of Lalong towards ensuring peace in the state that prompted President Muhammadu Buhari to release funds for the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons to their ancestral homes.
In his response, Gov. Lalong thanked the governors for their support.
He noted that the state had been enjoying relative peace until the recent attacks adding that for peace to be sustained in the state, deliberate efforts must be made by leaders of communities in their discharge of duties.
He added that Plateau was a miniature Nigeria with 53 ethnic groups so its peace needed to be well guarded.
Lalong disclosed that the state had ensured that adequate security measures were put in place to forestall attacks including the establishment of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency.
“The purpose of the early warning signal is for communities to tell us if there will be likely crisis. If communities are sincere, if somebody wants to do anything, they will tell us and we will send security to go there.
“We have had several meetings with the Ardos and told them if the criminals will waylay them, they don’t need to come openly but write to me, we will know what to do, otherwise when it happens, everybody will be involved,” he said.
The governor further said that the relative peace enjoyed in the state for five years, had prompted the launch for the celebration of the forgiveness and reconciliation day on Feb. 7, 2019.
According to him, the day was for people to forgive pending grudges for the restoration and sustenance of peace in the state.
Governors of Jigawa, Mohammed Abubakar and Bauchi, Bala Mohammed were part of the delegation to the Plateau state.
