A group, Plateau Progressive Minds for Positive Development, has defended the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang and rejected calls for the imposition of a state of emergency in Plateau State following the recent killings in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area.
The group made its position known on Thursday during a world press conference held at Bishop Court, Jenta Adamu in Jos, where it condemned the Palm Sunday attack that left several residents dead and injured.
Addressing journalists, the Coordinator of the group, Morgan Armstrong Pam, described the attack as heinous and unjustifiable, while expressing sympathy with victims and their families.
He noted that the response of the Angwan Rukuba community in refraining from reprisal attacks had helped to prevent further escalation of violence.
He said, “We condemn in the strongest terms the recent killings of innocent citizens in Angwan Rukuba Jos North LGA on Palm Sunday by unknown gunmen. We register our heartfelt sympathy to the victims of this heinous crime and commend the Angwa Rukuba community for a show of civility by refusing to take law into their hands”.
The group called on security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the killings, including their sponsors, are arrested and prosecuted, stressing that justice is necessary to deter future attacks and restore confidence among residents.
While acknowledging the steps taken by the state government, including the imposition of a 48-hour curfew in Jos North, the group warned against what it described as attempts by some elements to misrepresent the situation in Plateau State.
It dismissed allegations that the state government was complicit in attacks or biased along religious lines, insisting that such claims were misleading and capable of deepening divisions among communities.
The group further raised concerns over what it termed a deliberate push by certain actors to make the state ungovernable in order to justify the declaration of a state of emergency.
“It has been said that the motive and intention of the sponsors and perpetrators of these heinous acts is to make the state ungovernable with the declaration of a state of emergency as the only option.
“This to our mind is unnecessary and dangerous, bearing in mind that the previous emergency rule in the state in 2004 only saw the transformation of a political crisis into deeper governance failures.”they added.
The group urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resist any such calls and instead support efforts aimed at strengthening security and promoting peaceful coexistence in the state.
It also expressed confidence in the leadership of Governor Mutfwang, stating that his administration has continued to promote inclusivity and interfaith harmony across Plateau State.
The group called on residents, particularly youths, to remain law-abiding and support initiatives that promote unity and sustainable peace.
