Plateau Youth G-17 Peace&Progress Forum

Press Release

OUR SYMPATHY TO BENUE STATE
CONDEMNATION OF GOV. LALONG’S STATEMENT ON BENUE SITUATION AND REJECTION OF CATTLE COLONIES

Following the resumed hostilities by armed herdsmen in Benue State and other parts of the Country, we wish to register our condolences and sympathy to the Government and people of Benue State on the unprovoked, inhuman and wicked attacks and killings taking place in the State.

The level of genocide, hostilities and aggression against the people of Benue State and other States are unprecedented and we condemn such in the strongest possible terms.

We call on the Federal Government to come out proactively and make its position known on the spate of attacks by killer herdsmen.

More pragmatic and result-oriented strategies should be put in place by the security agencies and Federal Government to stem the rate of attacks and killing of innocent people in Benue State and other parts of the government.

We call on His Excellency, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State to remain resolute, dedicated and committed to policies and programmes that will keep his people and State safer and not be discouraged or distracted by those who are bent on disrupting the peace, unity, security, growth and development of the State. You have demonstrated to be a leader that listens to the plights of your people and posterity will be fair to you.

The FG continuous silence and lack of proactive steps to stop the insecurity killing many is indicting.

We also wish to disclose that the statement credited to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong towards his Benue State counterpart, Governor Ortom as not only disturbing, sad but disappointing. It shows clearly that he is yet to come to the clear knowledge of the insecurity staring at him in his domain.

At this trying moments of Benue State, the statements credited to Barr. Simon Lalong are reckless, uncharitable and without empathy to the present predicament of the people.

Plateau State is suffering same fate and it is regrettable having our Governor speaking in such despicable manner. We are praying for Benue people and all those affected in one way or the other by insurgency and violence attacks by the rampaging marauders.

On Gov. Lalong positive position on Cattle Colonies as proposed by the President it is rather pathetic as he is not aware of the components and contents of the cattle colonies just as he was bereft of the content of the grazing reserves and routes in 2016 and was ready to implement.

It still beats our imaginations to hear Governor Lalong saying the citizens of Plateau State are already donating their lands voluntarily for ranching on Channels, a statement we take as callous, unpatriotic, careless, provocative and completely false. He can kindly tell the State where people have donated lands voluntarily for ranching when people of the State are cautious of any engagement that will endanger their heritages and lives.

We distant ourselves completely from such careless disposition which has shown his inability to comprehend the interest of his people.

We remain resolute on our position on the ban on open-grazing on the State and will follow all legitimate means to make the law fruitful irrespective of any form of sabotage.

We call on all peace-loving people of Plateau State and North Central to be more united and speak with one voice against the genocide and injustices meted out to the people.

We remain steadfast and committed to things that will promote national Peace, unity, cohesion, prosperity, growth and development.

We are our brothers’ keepers, we say no to violence, genocide and things capable of destroying our heritage and future.

God bless and thanks.

Mr. Dachung Musa Bagos
Convener, Plateau Youth G-17 Peace&Progress Forum

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Plateau G-17 Condemns Benue Attacks, Call for Action by FG to Stop Carnage