As killings persist in Plateau State, real estate developer and public affairs commentator, Mr. John Katura, has called for unity across political lines to confront what he described as a coordinated plan to displace indigenous communities and seize their ancestral lands.
Katura, who is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of JOKATU Property Development Limited, condemned the recent attacks in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas which claimed over 100 lives and left properties worth hundreds of millions of naira in ruins.
He described the killings as “barbaric” and urged Plateau citizens to rise above partisan sentiments to collectively protect the state’s heritage and secure its future.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the victims of these heinous attacks in Bokkos and Bassa communities,” he said. “It is a tragedy that over 100 lives, mostly women and children, have been lost, and homes and properties worth hundreds of millions of naira destroyed. What happened in these communities is man’s inhumanity to man.”
Katura commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for what he termed a courageous and timely response to the crisis. He praised the governor for mobilising relief for survivors and taking urgent steps to prevent further attacks.
“I must commend His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, for his prompt response and for taking proactive measures to avert more bloodshed. His resilience and leadership in these trying times is commendable,” he stated.
Katura, however, stressed that the people of Plateau must not leave the burden of security solely to the government. He called for collective vigilance, unity, and a common voice in defence of the state’s ancestral lands.
“These barbaric attacks must be condemned in strong terms by every sane and rational mind because they are a threat to the peace and stability of Plateau State.
“It’s no longer suspicion but an established fact that the incessant massacres on the Plateau are an orchestrated and well-coordinated plan to impoverish and intimidate our people towards taking over their ancestral land.”
He also criticised what he described as a deliberate misrepresentation of the root causes of the crisis by some individuals in positions of influence.
“In spite of sufficient evidence pointing to the identities and motives of these killers, some so-called leaders have continued to shield them by spreading false narratives of either farmers-herders conflict or communal clashes,”
“The truth is glaring. These killings have gone on for nearly two decades and are driven by an expansionist agenda. That is the reality—one we must not shy away from.”
He called on Plateau citizens across political, ethnic, and religious lines to unite and speak with one voice.
“This is a time for unity, not division. Though we may belong to different political parties, our safety and peace must always come first
“We must rise above party lines and other sentiments and work hand-in-hand for the collective good of our land.
Reacting to reports that some suspects had been arrested in connection with the latest attacks, Katura commended security agencies but demanded accountability and swift justice.
“All eyes are now on the government for an open, transparent, and accelerated prosecution of the suspects in a competent court of jurisdiction.
“This is necessary, taking into cognizance the fact that over the years, some arrests have been made, suspects taken to Abuja, and after that, nothing has been heard or said about them” Katura stressed.
