President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, the state government, and the people of Plateau following a deadly clash that claimed at least 51 lives.
Tinubu also called on the Governor to address the root causes of the recurring unrest to restore lasting peace.
This comes as violent attacks by a group said to be Fulani marauders and bandits rocked Plateau State on Monday morning.
The deadly clash occurred when some armed assailants attacked Zike community, Kimakpa, Kwall district of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing men, women, and children, and destroying homes and farmlands.
According to a Kwall community leader, Wakili Tongwe, the attackers invaded the village in the early hours of Monday and shot sporadically at residents who were scampering for safety after hearing gunshots.
Recall last week, Pan-Atlantic Kompass had reported that Governor Mutfwang while reacting to a recent wave of killing in Plataeu, revealed that not less than 64 communities have been seized by bandits as it appears that the monstrous elements are tightening their grip on the North-Central state following news of incessant killings and kidnappings.
Reacting, Tinubu, in a statement released by his spokesman Bayo Onanuga, expressed profound sorrow over the bloodshed.
He called on Mutfwang to summon the political will to tackle the underlying issues fueling the attacks.
Tinubu also directed security agencies to investigate thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice, stressing that “enough is enough.”
The statement reads in part: “We cannot allow this devastation and the tit-for-tat attacks to continue. Enough is enough.
“The ongoing violence between communities in Plateau State, rooted in misunderstandings between different ethnic and religious groups, must cease.
“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,” Tinubu asserted.
He emphasised the importance of fostering unity and harmony across ethnic and religious lines.
Tinubu also appealed to community, spiritual, and political leaders both within and outside Plateau State to work together to halt the cycle of retaliatory attacks devastating affected communities.
He continued: “I have instructed security agencies to thoroughly investigate this crisis and identify those responsible for orchestrating these violent acts.”
Tinubu reiterated the federal government’s commitment to supporting the Plateau State government in fostering dialogue, social cohesion, and accountability, which are crucial steps towards permanently resolving the conflict.
“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,” he added.
