A coalition of All Progressives Congress, APC Youth Support Groups in Plateau State has demanded for full investigation into the killing of the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Hon Slyvanus Namang who was gruesomely murdered by unknown gunmen alongside Sunny Best, owner of a business outfit along Pankshin – Jos road on Saturday evening
Addressing a Press Conference in Jos, the coalition through its Chairman, Nenman Johnson, the coalition said it’s saddened by the “calculate” killing of the Publicity Secretary, Hon Slyvanus Namang. “The calculated killing of the Plateau APC State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Sylvanus Namang, is deeply saddening and represents a tragic loss for his family, the APC youth support groups, and the wider community. Such acts of violence have no place in a peaceful and just society, hence portend serious danger if not addressed”.
The coalition demanded immediate action by the government and relevant security agencies with the view to bringing to book the perpetrators of this dastardly act. Johnson said “In the face of this heartbreaking event, it is essential for the government to swiftly and decisively act to bring the perpetrators to justice. The rule of law must prevail, and those responsible for this heinous crime must be held accountable”.
The Youth further added that “it is imperative for the government to take proactive measures to address the root causes of such violence and ensure the safety and security of all citizens. Addressing the underlying issues contributing to insecurity and violence is crucial in preventing such tragic incidents in the future”.
The APC Plateau State calls on security agencies to urgently and thoroughly investigate the killing of its Chief Scribe, Hon. Sylvanus Namang. This will be a crucial step in ensuring that justice is served and that those responsible are held accountable.
The group is further concerned by a seemingly worse occurrence following the threats to lives of some stakeholders of the party. “It is deeply concerning that Hon. Sylvanus Namang reportedly faced more than twenty (20) threats to his life by some desperate so-called politicians, according to his brother. These were also confirmed by Chief Festus Fuanter, the National Deputy Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, in his recent interview” added the coalition.
The coalition accused Mr John Akans, a special adviser to the Governor of threatening another stakeholder, Hon Ben Dalop in a WhatsApp message.
Nenman said “Before, during, and after the 2023 campaigns, many APC supporters have been threatened, physically assaulted, battered, socially maligned, and impugned. Prior to Hon. Namang’s tragic death, an APC chieftain, Hon. Benshak Dalop, was also threatened by a PDP chieftain, Hon. John Akans, a special adviser on inter-party., on a WhatsApp platform, saying, in part, “…the level at which you are going, Oga Benshak, it appears you have chosen to go to the land of no return, yes, you have chosen that…”
The group also alleged that Hon Slyvanus Namang’s killing was celebrated. It said “Mr. Mankwat Destiny was celebrating the death of Hon. Sylvanus Namang on social media, saying it’s a victory for the PDP”.
The group then underscore the importance of a thorough investigation saying “It is essential that these threats are thoroughly investigated; the killing of APC supporters on the Plateau is becoming one too many”.
Reflecting back to 2023, the coalition said “Recall that in 2023, an APC supporter was shot and killed in Tudun Wada, and another narrowly escaped death by the whiskers”.
“Another related incident took place on Sunday 18/02/2024, around 8:00 pm, to an APC strong supporter just around the junction to his house. He was ambushed by five (5) masked men who didn’t collect any penny from him but gave a stink warning, as quoted, “we just want to warn you on your political style or way. If you keep harassing our leaders, we will have no option than to show you the way out. We know your house and everything about you, be careful”, the group alleged.
Giving more details of the unfortunate encounter, the coalition said “They entered their 406 Peugeot car and left. He is ever ready to testify when the need arises”.
Further worried and deeply disturbed “is the killing of another APC chieftain of Kadung ward, Pankshin local govt who was killed in his residence at Wabet village of Kadung, in the late hours of 20th, February 2024 while asleep”.
The group wonders wether”this a tactic to scare and silence opposition or it is a deliberate plan to completely wipe out the party in the state,? this we ask”.
In a serious call for careful examination, the APC Youth groups coalition said “The evidence of these threats must be carefully examined and taken into account as part of the ongoing investigation. The security agency must leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of the truth and in bringing the perpetrators of this crime to justice”.
“The safety and security of individuals engaged in political activities must be upheld, and those who seek to intimidate, threaten, or harm others due to their political affiliations must face the full consequences of their actions” continued Mr Nenman.
“Finally, we wish to commend Gov. Mutfwang for acting swiftly to end the crises and killings in Mangu, Bokkos, Riyom and Barkin Ladi. We wish to call on the governor to advise some of his appointees and supporters to refrain from making inciting comments on social media, disturbing to say is a post by one Patience Dickson, a Special Adviser to the Governor who is also a supervisory councillor in Barkin Ladi on a WhatsApp group during the supreme court judgement that called on PDP supporters and women to burn down the houses of APC supporters and the appeal court in Jos if judgement does not favour your excellency sir. Comments like this are worrisome and we believe that if such comments are not tamed, gullible supporters will begin to attack opposition members even without provocations” alleges the group.
“The APC Youth Support Groups in Plateau State urge the security agency to act swiftly and diligently in their investigation, and we remain committed to supporting their efforts to ensure that those responsible for the killing of Hon. Sylvanus Namang are brought to justice. It is our hope that such actions will help prevent similar incidents in the future and contribute to a safer and more secure environment for all citizens” pledges the coalition.
The group also called for true practice of democracy that respects the rights of freedom and association of people. “If democracy must grow in Nigeria, freedom of movement, the right to associate, the right to vote and be voted for, and freedom of speech must be upheld. APC members are already traumatized by these intentional and deliberate killings, the federal govt and the international community should step in and come to our rescue. Politics should and must be done with civility and this has been the mantra of the APC on the Plateau”.
The Youth group extended their heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased party’s spokesman. Mr Nenman said “In the midst of this sorrow, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Hon. Sylvanus Namang, and we stand in solidarity with the APC party youth support groups and the people of Plateau State during this difficult time. It is our hope that justice will be served swiftly and that peace and security will be restored to the region”.
To ensure immediate and necessary action is taken, the coalition copied: *
- Commissioner of Police, Plateau State, H.E. Umaru Ganduje – APC National Chairman,
- Hon. Rufus Bature – Plateau State APC Chairman,
- Hon. Christ Hassan – Plateau State PDP Chairman,
- DSS, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas
- Speaker, Federal House of Representatives,
- Sen. Simon Bako Lalong,
- Rt. Hon Idris Maje,
- Rt. Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi,
- Hon John Dafa’an,
- Sen Diket Plang,
- Hon Festus Fuanter, APC Deputy National Secretary,
- Dr Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe,
- Hon. David Lalu,
- H.E. Caleb Mutfwang Governor of Plateau State,
- DG Operation Rainbow,
- Hon. Vincent Venman Bulus,
- Rt. Hon. Dewan Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly,
- Hon Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate
