Simon Bako Lalong, the Governor of Plateau State has enjoined his subjects to embrace peace and tolerate one another.
The governor made the call on Sunday in a meeting organised by the Plateau State chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) held in Gindiri, Mangu Local Government Area of the state.
Lalong, represented by the Director General, Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Joseph Lengman, said only through peace and justice any society can prosper.
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He commended the MACBAN leadership for organising what he described as a historic gathering, stating “whenever people converge to discuss the challenges bedevilling them, they would definitely get an answer for it, even faster than the government’s approach.”
“Nothing like peace,” he affirmed. “Whether you are a farmer, herder or whatsoever business you are doing, peace is the ultimate asset and that peace should not be left to security agents alone. Let’s synergise to face criminals from wherever they come in whatever form. We must be steadfast.”
The DG promised to convey the communique shared at the end of the meeting to his boss, assuring that Governor Lalong will consider the resolutions of the meeting.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of MACBAN Plateau State, Abdullahi Mohammad Nura, maintained that only peace can lead to development.
He lamented jungle justice adopted by some armed groups, which he alleged to have come from Bauchi State with the government’s and traditional leaders’ backing.
Last month, at least five Fulani members were caught and gruesomely murdered by the group, according to Nura. He further called on the government to ensure justice is served.
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His words: “Your Excellency, about a month ago, some armed people from Bauchi state invaded our houses and started arresting our members, slaughtering them like animals and dumping them in bushes, in fact, we condemned jungle justice. There must be an investigation before such action should be carried out.”
He commended the members and affected families for being obedient and loyal to the leadership of MACBAN. Further, Nura urged them to remain law-abiding citizens and embrace peace as the leadership of the association is hardly working with the government to get justice for all.
Others among the attendants of the summit were Foward Operating Base (FOB) Commander Gembos axis A N Alanamu, police representatives, Executive Secretary, Plateau State Primary Healthcare Agency Dr Livinus Myakwak, and traditional rulers among other dignitaries and Fulani youths.
Last month, WikkiTimes reported that the Fulani youth staged a protest and blocked the road linking Bauchi and Plateau State at Lere community of Tafawa Balewa Local Government over the gruesome murder of the 5 members by the suspected armed group popularly known as ‘Ba Beli’.
