27.08.2022.

The Plateau Peace Building Agency, PPBA is worried by the sudden twist of events in Yelwa-Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State that is threatening the Peace of the area and that of the state in general.

We are particularly worried that the issue of the selection of a traditional leader that will fill the vacant stool in that area, that ordinarily should be a peaceful exercise, is causing unwarranted uproar and restiveness amongst the people.

We should not be in a hurry to forget the ugly events of the recent past in Yelwa-Shendam where scores of precious human lives and property worth many millions of Naira were destroyed through mindless and needless violence that served no one any good.

For the avoidance of doubt, the protest in Shendam yesterday was for the name “Yelwa” to be expunged from the newly-created Yelwa-Nshar District with the Shinbu automatically assuming the position of District Head and; not against the installation of an Emir as being bandied around by some curious individuals and groups.

We therefore sue for calm, with the understanding that the issues in contention can be amicably resolved without a recourse to violence.

We cannot afford to allow the horrific incident of the past rear its ugly head once again. And therefore , we must rise up and say no to any attempt by unscrupulous elements who are determined to turn the hand of the clock backwards.

We call on all religious, traditional and other community leaders to rein in their followers and supporters by exploring peaceful means of finding amicable solution to the impasse.

Similarly, we call on those social media enthusiasts who are mischievously peddling all sorts of unverified and fake news about Yelwa-Shendam to desist henceforth. This ill-wind you are blowing will not spare you when the situation degenerates to a point of no gravitation.

We must also commend the local authority in Shendam and the various security agencies for the prompt response to what would have been another disastrous chapter in our history.

We call on those communities to continue to cooperate with security agencies to prevent Yelwa-Shendam and Plateau State from sliding back into the abyss of violence that has once been the persistent plight of our people.

We must guard this hard-earned Peace with all sense of responsibility and duty to both God and humanity.

JOSEPH LENGMANG,
Director General,
Plateau Peace Building Agency,
PPBA.
August 27, 2022.

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Yelwa Shendam Impasse: Plateau Peace Building Agency Calls for Calm