“THE PEACE OF NIGERIA HAS BEEN SEVERELY THREATENED AND IS NOW COMPOUNDED” – Senator I.D.Gyang

The Senator representing Plateau North, Sen. Barr. I. D. Gyang has decried how the peace, unity and peace of Nigeria has not only been severely threatened but is being compounded by the day.

Sen. I. D. Gyang said the security of the Nigerian Citizens is now at the mercy of bandits, kidnappers and merchants of violence and bloodshed.

While speaking at the thanksgiving marking the first year anniversary of the 188 persons that were massacred in Gashish, B/Ladi LGA of Plateau State on 23/06/19, Senator Gyang said management of the Plateau attacks was initially dictated by prejudice and sentiments rather than objectivity and professionalism.
The current escalation of violent attacks and bandits across the Northern States should not be mismanaged as is the case in Plateau state where violent attacks have persisted against the same victim communities for upward of two decades!

He said Nigeria’s porous borders has eased the influx of alien criminal elements into the country. He also decried how aliens are reinforcing local bandits and terrorist to destabilize the nation. Consequently, Senator Gyang gave his backing for the establishment State Policing as according to him, the armed forces are currently overstretched and appear overwhelmed. He stated that the Law on State Police should have safeguard provisions that will ensure that the state Police do not become weapons in the hands of state Governors for political vendetta and other excesses.

He said law enforcement is a responsibility that government must not shy away from to serve as deterrence, otherwise, criminal elements would be emboldened in acts of criminality and bloodshed.

He said there is need for those forcefully and illegally occupying lands of displaced host communities to vacate. To allow the continued illegal occupation is tantamount to allowing criminals to retain the proceeds of crime.

He said dialogue and restitution are crucial in any reconciliation and peace process. He said he will therefore spearhead the reconciliation of Plateau North through restitution and constructive dialogue by seeking forgiveness and saying sorry for past hurts across all communities.

Senator Gyang also stated that peaceful coexistence would require that citizens resolve disagreements and grievances through dialogue rather than making violence an option.

He said the nation can learn from Rwanda which recovered from sectarian violence and genocide and carried out genuine reconciliation to become one of the growing economies in Africa today.

Sen. I. D. Gyang said there is urgent need to reconstruct and resettle the displaced communities in Plateau North. He urged President Buhari to follow up on the promise he made during the June 12 speech to the nation to undertake the Resettling of displaced communities.

He finally called on government and security agencies to reinforce security to communities prone to attacks in Plateau North.

Sen. I. D. Gyang made these disclosures today Sunday 23rd June, 2019 when he spoke on behalf of the State and National Lawmakers at the one year thanksgiving and memorial service held at COCIN LCC Anguldi Jos South LGA by Gashish Development Association (GADA) in honour of the 188 people who were massacred on Sunday 23rd June, 2018 when 16 Communities in Gashish District of Barkin Ladi LGA were invaded.