Following recent attacks in some villages of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State which led to the loss of lives and destruction of properties, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has met with stakeholders from the local government to find solutions to the problem.
In a statement made available to this medium and was signed by Dr. Makut Simon Macham, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor stated that
Governor Lalong while addressing the stakeholders which include traditional rulers, representatives of Ron and fulani, security agencies, youth leaders, local government officials and elders, the Governor said he was distraught by the sad development which was a major setback to the restoration of peace in Plateau State.
He sympathised with the people for the loss of lives and properties lost during the attacks and warned that the Government will do everything within its power to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Governor Lalong reiterated that nobody has the right to kill anyone or take the law into his hands to address any grievance or injustice whether relating to destruction of crops or killing of cows which are reported to be the main source of tension in the area.
The Governor said he has convened the stakeholders meeting to hear from all sides on how to address the spade of violence in the area that is a matter of concern the people and the Government. The submissions he said will assist the security agencies and government to further carry out thorough investigations.
Lalong said while the Government will play its part in ensuring that security prevails in Bokkos and entire State by going after criminals no matter their background, the people must be willing to expose criminals within them and also work together for peace and security.
The meeting later went into a closed door session where the Governor asked the stakeholders to speak freely and frankly to assist the Government find solutions to the immediate and remote causes of the attacks.
At the end of the closed door meeting, the Governor assured the stakeholders that their submissions will be acted upon while a committee will be set up comprising of representatives from Ron and Fulani communities who will work together and bring up any security threat for immediate action.
Chairman Bokkos Local Government Mr. Joseph Guluwa thanked the Governor for convening the meeting and said the people are resolved to unite and face criminals rather than allowing suspicion and mistrust destroy the hitherto cordial relationship that existed among them.
