Tinubu urges Plateau to resolve ethno-religious crisis behind killings

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday urged Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to take decisive steps in addressing the root causes of the persistent communal violence plaguing the state.

The President’s call came amid fresh reports of deadly clashes in several Plateau communities.

For over one and a half hours from midnight Sunday, militias killed 51 people in Irigwe, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, leaving more than 10 severely injured.

Many houses and properties were razed by the marauders.

President Tinubu said he has directed security agencies to conduct thorough investigations into the latest wave of attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Over 40 people were also reportedly killed in the Zike community in the Kwall council area in the wee hours of yesterday.

The latest attacks followed the killing of over 52 persons in several villages in Bokkos earlier in the month.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said: “The ongoing violence between communities in Plateau State, rooted in misunderstandings between different ethnic and religious groups, must cease

“I have instructed security agencies to thoroughly investigate this crisis and identify those responsible for orchestrating these violent acts.

“We cannot allow this devastation and the tit-for-tat attacks to continue. Enough is enough.

“Beyond dealing with the criminal elements of these incessant killings, the political leadership in Plateau State, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, must address the root cause of this age-long problem.

“These problems have been with us for more than two decades. We can no longer ignore the underlying issues.

“It is time to tackle them fairly and find a lasting solution.

“I have discussed these problems with the governor over time and offered suggestions for lasting peace.

“The Federal Government remains committed to supporting Governor Mutfwang and the Plateau State government in promoting dialogue, fostering social cohesion, and ensuring accountability—crucial steps towards permanently resolving the conflict in Plateau.”

National Publicity Secretary Irigwe Youth Movement, Joseph Yonkpa, said in a statement: “Almost 100 people have been killed since December, with unquantifiable destruction of crops and properties.

“We are crying out for help from the government, non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, and spirited individuals to not only condemn the situation but join us in demanding justice for all our slain brothers whose lives have been cut short.”

Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the attacks on Zike and Kimakpa communities in Bassa Local Government Area as heinous.

Speaking after a security council meeting in Jos, he expressed deep sympathy with the people of Zike and Kimakpa, as well as other affected communities.

Describing the attacks as “heinous, unacceptable, and a threat to the peace and unity of Plateau State,” he called on all citizens of goodwill to speak out against the violence and stand in solidarity with affected communities.

The governor said: “We received detailed briefings from security heads on what transpired.

“Efforts are ongoing to establish the full facts and motivations behind the attack, so we can address the situation decisively.

“The area is currently calm, and we have appealed for restraint from the affected communities, especially the youth, who have so far responded positively to our plea.

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