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From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has challenged security agencies to unmask perpetrators of the recent attack in Binda in Tahos village, Riyom Local Government Area.
The governor, who visited the scene of the brutal and genocidal attack carried out by suspected Fulani militias learnt from the survivors that the armed assailants invaded the community in large numbers, while military operatives stationed 200 meters’ away neither intervened to prevent the carnage nor arrested any of the assailants.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, July 15, claimed more than 20 innocent lives, left many others injured and destroyed of homes, including a church. Food items belonging to villagers were also looted by the attackers, compounding the tragedy.
Addressing the traumatised residents, Mutfwang condemned the killings and assured the people that his administration would not abandon them in their time of grief. He pledged a comprehensive review of the state’s security architecture to ensure that those charged with the protection of lives and property discharge their responsibilities without compromise.
“I want to promise you that by the grace of God, Riyom will not fall. We will deploy every resource at our disposal to end this genocide. This is not a case of farmer-herder conflict. This is terrorism; this is genocide, plain and simple. And I assure you, we will escalate this matter to the highest levels,” the Governor declared.
Mutfwang acknowledged the efforts of gallant soldiers, who have stood firm in defence of Plateau communities but noted that some bad elements within the security agencies must be identified and removed for peace to reign.
“We cannot continue like this. These attackers are not spirits, real people carried out these atrocities and vanished without a trace. Sector Commander, you were in command when suspects were arrested over a soldier’s death. Why are there no arrests today? Those young men currently held must be released immediately unless you have solid evidence to charge them to court,” the Governor demanded.
He urged the affected communities to find solace in God, assuring that the government would organise a burial for those killed and take steps to support those who lost their homes.
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“To our elders and youth, please remain calm and vigilant. I thank our young people across these areas for their courage in defending their communities. We see you, we appreciate you, and we will continue to support you morally and otherwise to ensure that no one drives you from your ancestral lands.”
He called on the security agencies to stop targeting scapegoats and go after the real perpetrators.
“I want to hear of arrests, not excuses. The era of the so-called unknown gunmen is over.
These killers live among us and must be brought to justice. Let them serve as an example to deter others who plan to destabilise our communities.
“To our security forces; you are not here on a peacekeeping mission. You are deployed to protect the lives and property of Nigerians. Anyone threatening these lives is an enemy of the state and must be treated accordingly,” he emphasised.
The governor also extended his visit to Gwong, Fang, Keng and Rachi communities in Bachit district of Riyom Local Government Area, all of which have recently suffered similar deadly attacks.
He sympathised with the people, encouraging them to remain resilient and steadfast in defending their ancestral heritage.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Riyom LGA, Rev. Davou Musa, blamed the military for failing in its duty to protect the people. He accused some personnel of complicity by shielding the attackers and called on the Federal Government to withdraw the military from the area. He also appealed for urgent humanitarian relief to support the survivors.
