Plateau will not surrender to terrorism, vows Governor Mutfwang

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By Golok Nanmwa

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Jos – Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has vowed that the state will not succumb to the “blackmail of terror” following the deadly attack on Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area.

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The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday, when he received the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Bernard Doro, who paid a condolence visit at the Old Government House, Rayfield, Jos.

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Describing the Sunday night incident as “painful and avoidable,” Mutfwang said the scale of brutality was deeply disturbing, especially with the killing of innocent residents, including a heavily pregnant woman.

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“When I saw the corpses, I could barely hold myself,” the governor stated, lamenting the unprovoked aggression.

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He alleged that the attack was a calculated and coordinated effort by elements unsettled by the growing peace and stability in the state, aimed at reversing the gains recorded in the past two years.

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“This was a well-thought-out, well-orchestrated plan,” Mutfwang said, adding that there has been a long-standing campaign to “demarket” Plateau State by portraying it as unsafe to discourage investors and visitors.

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The governor disclosed that the state government has convened a Security Council meeting to identify lapses and strengthen security architecture.

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Among measures being considered is the strict enforcement of the ban on motorcycle operations, which criminals frequently exploit.

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He also announced that the government would foot the medical bills of injured victims receiving treatment and allow families to conduct dignified burials for their loved ones instead of a mass burial

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Mutfwang urged residents to support security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, stressing that “security agencies are not soothsayers; they rely on actionable intelligence.”
“When you see something, say something,” he added.

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In his remarks, Dr. Bernard Doro expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as heartbreaking, especially given the relative peace the state had enjoyed.

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“To wake up to such callous violence and loss of life is truly heartbreaking,” the minister said, while acknowledging the heavy burden on the governor’s shoulders.

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Doro assured the Federal Government’s support and full cooperation of security agencies until the perpetrators are brought to justice.

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The minister later proceeded to Angwan Rukuba to commiserate with affected families and the community.

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