Plateau Killings: Gov Lalong directs security operatives to apprehend culprits
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has directed security agencies to apprehend the criminals responsible for the recent isolated killings in Jos South and Riyom Local Government Areas of the state.
Periscope International recalls that the state recently recorded yet another round of killings in Chol Village of Vwang District inJos South; and Tamborong Village Ganawuri District in Riyom Local Government Areas, where some people were killed by armed men.
Reacting to the development, Governor Lalong, in a statement issued on Saturday by Dr Makut Simon Macham, Director of Press and Public Affairs, expressed outrage at the phenomenon, stressing that the recurring incidences of such isolated attacks are unacceptable and totally condemnable.
“Such occurrences reoccur partly because some of the persons behind such attacks are yet to be arrested and brought to justice. During both attacks in the two areas , lives were lost, animals killed and crops destroyed.
“There is no justification for the killings as no one is permitted to take the law into his hands.
“Recently, we acquired and launched 50 patrol vehicles and 200 motorcycles for use by our security agencies. Our expectation is that these attacks will not only be prevented, but wherever any is recorded, the perpetrators will be swiftly arrested and brought to justice.
“I expect to see a drastic change from now onwards on how we respond to these unfortunate acts. Our people deserve to live in peace and pursue their legitimate means of livelihood without fear of being attacked or killed,” the governor fumed.
Lalong, therefore, ordered the security agencies to do everything possible and arrest the perpetrators, as well as get to the root of the criminal conduct, which he said “is clearly meant to resuscitate violence in the state and thwart the peace currently prevailing.”
The governor also urged the citizens to assist the security agencies and relevant government bodies “with the necessary intelligence to enable them arrest the fleeing attackers and also get to the root cause of the recurring incidences.”
Lalong commended community leaders within the communities where the killings occured for making efforts to calm nerves and also supporting Government efforts to restore normalcy and build confidence.
He directed the Peace Building Agency and the Plateau Inter-Religous Council to intensify their mediation efforts across the state, especially in areas where there are disagreements that are capable of causing a breach of the peace.
