From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has banned night grazing and transportation of cattle after 7pm in a strategic move to curtail incessant killings in the state.
The governor has also resolved to immediately activate community vigilance to work in synergy with conventional security, to check armed banditry and all forms of criminality in the state.
Speaking in a statewide broadcast, yesterday, he also restricted motorcycle movements from 7pm to 6am across the state. The governor, who spoke against the backdrop of resurgence of killings in Bokkos and Bassa, where over 100 people have been killed in the last two weeks, described the resurgence of killings as ethnic cleansing against the people of Plateau State.
He urged traditional leaders and youth associations to reactivate local vigilance groups and organise night patrols in coordination with the security agencies. While assuring he would protect communities and uphold the rule of law, he also assured an end to the killings in the state.
He said: “Let us be clear; this is not random violence. This is not an isolated conflict between farmers and herders. What we are witnessing is a systematic and premeditated campaign, one that seeks to displace, destabilise and instil terror and fear on our people and communities. The tragic echoes of Dogo Na Hawa, Riyom, Barkin-Ladi, Mangu and the Christmas Eve massacres in Bokkos remain vivid. The cycle continues, but it must not endure. Enough is enough!
“As your governor, I stand resolved, Plateau shall not be overrun by fear, nor shall we accept this culture of bloodshed as the new normal. My administration is intensifying efforts to protect our people and enforce the rule of law across all local governments.
“Let me reassure you that my government is alive to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, and we are rising to the occasion more determined than ever. For far too long, our beloved state has made the headlines for the wrong reasons, thereby casting a shadow over our immense potential and deterring the inflow of much-needed foreign direct and local investments.
“These investments could have been the catalyst for harnessing our abundant natural resources and lifting our people out of poverty. We cannot afford to let this unfortunate reality persist.
“Despite this sorrow, the strength and courage of our people continue to inspire me. I extend heartfelt appreciation to the national and state emergency management agencies for their prompt response in providing emergency aid and comfort to survivors.”