Governor Caleb Mutfwang has strongly criticised the Federal Government (FG) for its lack of political will to address the prolonged occupation of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State by marauding terrorists.
Mutfwang said this on Tuesday, during his appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme. He expressed frustration over the escalating crisis in the state, attributing it to the failure of security agents to make any arrests in connection with the attacks.
The Governor lamented the unprovoked Christmas Eve attacks on over 15 communities in the Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas, which resulted in over 115 deaths, numerous injuries, and the destruction of hundreds of houses.
“As I am talking to you today, in Barkin-Ladi Local Government, schools have been occupied by these terrorists for some years now. Not less than 64 communities have been displaced and the lands have been taken over by these marauding terrorists,” he stated, while emphasising the urgent need to stop the ongoing violence and a proactive approach from security agencies to forestall recurrence.
Mutfwang also revealed his intention to seek President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in providing clear instructions to security agents to protect the people of Plateau against the ”land-grabbing attackers.”
He stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict, particularly related to land matters, and called for a constitutional approach to land acquisition rather than resorting to violence.
The Governor also expressed concern over the lack of arrests and prosecutions in connection with the attacks, suggesting that the absence of action has led to a perception that the attackers are being protected.
He also highlighted the impact of the prolonged occupation of schools and the abandonment of primary healthcare centres, emphasising the urgent need for decisive action to address the situation.
