In affirmation of an indivisible Plateau regardless of the ethnic, religious and political affiliation, Plateau State has arisen in unionism in the condemnation of the Friday, 22nd March, 2024 violent communal clash between the Tehl people of Mikang and Tarok people of Langtang North. The unfortunate clash which erupted as a result of unresolved ownership of a land in Ponglong, Mikang LGA claimed several lives with wanton destruction of properties
Pointblank News Blog accessible on www.pointblank.com.ng, compiles the unity of purpose expressed by Plateau leaders in an unedited messages of condemnations, condolences and calls for dialogue
Gov Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang – Expressed Outrage and Called for Truce and Dialogue
His Excellency, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Executive Governor of Plateau State Governor in leading the condemnation called for dialogue and truce
In a statement signed by Mr. Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPPA) dated Monday, 25th March, 2024, Mr Bere said “Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has condemned in very strong terms, the outbreak of communal hostilities that resulted in the destruction of property and injuries among residents of villages bordering Langtang North and Mikang Local Government Areas”.
“In the wake of the violence that erupted on Saturday 23 and Sunday, March 24, 2024, Governor Mutfwang extended his sympathies to the victims, denouncing the clashes as unnecessary and unacceptable.
“He emphasized that such acts undermine the government’s intensive efforts to foster peace and unity among citizens of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, with the collective aim of advancing the state’s growth and prosperity.
“Expressing his dismay over the conflict, Governor Mutfwang underscored the importance of dialogue as the most civilized and effective means of conflict resolution. He questioned the rationale behind individuals resorting to violence, taking the law into their own hands, and targeting innocent communities with arson.
“The Governor called on security agencies to respond decisively, and to hold the perpetrators and their sponsors accountable to the full extent of the law. He also urged swift mobilization to the affected areas to prevent any further escalation of the situation.
Bere added that “furthermore, Governor Mutfwang appealed to traditional, community, and religious leaders, as well as key stakeholders from the affected communities, to initiate dialogue and work towards an amicable resolution of the disputes in order to foster an atmosphere of harmonious co-existence”.
“Reaffirming his administration’s dedication to establishing lasting peace throughout the state, Governor Mutfwang said he looks forward to a united, tranquil, and thriving Plateau where all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity, support one another in a spirit of brotherhood” concluded Bere.
Sen Simon Bako Lalong, Immediate Past Governor and Senator, Souther Senatorial Zone – Calls for restrain, urges thorough investigation
Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District Simon Bako Lalong has equally condemned in strongest term, the violent clash. The former State Governor and incumbent Senator reprenting the localities where the clash occurred speaking through Dr Macham Simon Makut, Special Adviser on Media said “Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District Simon Bako Lalong has condemned the violent clash which occurred at Ponglong area of Lalin District of Mikang Local Government Area, between citizens of Montol and Taroh tribes”.
“The violence which reportedly led to loss of some lives, injuries, destruction of properties and rustling of animals is said to have been instigated by land dispute between the two neighbours.
“Senator Lalong while commiserating with the victims of the violence described the condemnable occurrence as unfortunate and called for a thorough investigation to unravel the issues leading to the clash.
“He admonished the citizens to give peace a chance and adopt dialogue to settle whatever differences that might occur rather than resort to violence which does no good to all parties.
“The Senator called on the Plateau State Government and security agencies to get to the root of the matter by ensuring that total calm returns to the area while those who masterminded the violence are brought to justice.
“He said as the Senator representing the area, he will closely monitor the situation to see that such ugly incident does not occur again while those who suffered injuries and losses are not left alone.
Air Vice Marshal Napoleon Binkap Bali, Chairman, Plateau State Security Committee – Clash is infidelity to historic inseparable coexistence and an affront against government’s resolute efforts at restoring peace in the state
Unequivocally condemning the shameful communal clash, AVM Napoleon Binkap Bali (Rtd), Chairman, Plateau State Security Community and the former Senator representing the zone before his removal from office through the infamous Court of Appeal Judgment in a statement by his Liaison Officer, Hon Ponzip Sanda said “destroying historic culture and tradition of cordial and peaceful coexistence handed over to us by our grandparents is shameful and highly condemnable. Tarok and Tehl people are hardly differentiated by outsiders and the sudden taking of arms against each other is infidelity to the efforts of our forefathers”.
“Traditional, youth and community leaders must be proactive in the embrace of dialogue as an antidote to curtailing crisis”
“As custodians of our people’s heritage, the long held history of living together as brothers must not be sacrificed hastily because of disagreement over an ordinary piece of land that would have been resolved if dialogue was employed”.
“Merchants of conflicts must not constitute a cog in the wheel of progress being made by Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang to ensure total restoration of peace in the state because no stone shall be left unturned in the government’s quest for a safe and secured state”.
“Our security agents promptly rose up to the occasion and ensured that the impacts were less. On behalf of the State Security committee, we applaud your combativeness”
The former number two man of the Nigerian Airforce concluded by expressing his “deepest condolences to the family of the bereaved while praying for the speedy recovery of the injured”
Rt Hon Ahmed Idris Maje Wase, 9th NASS Deputy Speaker and Member Representing Wase Federal Constituency – We must protect the bond of brotherhood regardless of the level of disagreement
Rt Hon Ahmed Idris Maje Wase, immediate past Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives and incumbent member representing Wase Federal Constituency expressed total sadness at the conflict he felt would have been avoided if both parties had embraced dialogue and made recourse to the rich cultural history between the two tribes
“I am devastated by the unfortunate clash between two tribes that have coexisted for time immemorial as brothers. This unfortunate violent clash that occurred as a result of land dispute is condemnable”
“The labour of the past generation that beneath a foundation of unity and love for us must not be destroyed at any slightest provocation. Regardless of the level of disagreement, we must make recourse to first the bond of brotherhood that have bond us together as a people and secondly, embrace dialogue as a building block for peaceful coexistence”
“The Plateau State Government and Secruity agencies must get to the root of this conflict and ensure it is resolved once and for all. May Almighty Allah have mercy on the departed souls and grant them aljanah while granting quick recovery to those that were wounded”
Hon Vincent Venman Bulus, Member representing Langtang North and South Federal Constituency – Crisis shook the very roots of our brotherhood, Dialogue Is Sacrosanct
Hon Vincent Venman Bulus, Member representing Langtang North and South Federal Constituency, has in the strongest terms condemned the unfortunate crisis lamenting why brothers would suddenly turn foes, attacking each other heartlessly.
In a statement by Hon VVB Media Team, the member who recounted the years of togetherness that saw both the Tarok and Tehl people engaging in communal efforts like farming together and exchange of marriage wondered why all these long cherished values were trashed to the history bins.
The member decried “brothers turning enemies because of a parcel of land, is to say the least, regrettable. This conflict threatens the very roots of our brotherhood and we must come together to address it amicably as soon as possible”.
“As the representatives of our people, religious, traditional and political leaders must unite to resolve this crisis. We owe our people good governance predestined upon peace and unity. We must also be prompt in providing succour to those that were affected while using our offices to fast track relief materials as responsible and reliable representatives”
Hon Vincent Venman Bulus on behalf of himself, the good and peaceloving people of Langtang North and South Federal Constituency commiserated with the families that loss their loved ones while wishing those that sustained injuries quick recovery
HON. JOHN M. DAFAAN, Member representing Mikang/Shendam/Quaanpan Federal Constituency – Condemns attack, advocates for dialogue and coexistence
In a statement by JMD Media Frontiers on Monday, 25th March, 2024, “Hon. John Moenwul Dafaan, Member representing Mikang/Shendam/Qua’an-Pan Federal Constituency has condemned in totality, the avoidable violent attacks on Lalin Community of Mikang Local Government, said to have emanated as a result of land dispute between the Taroh and Tehl people”.
“These needless attacks which have lasted more than 48hrs, is said to have metamorphosed into crime and criminality, leading to loss of lives, rustling of animals, looting and destruction of properties in the community.
“Hon. Dafaan, while commiserating with the victims, admonishes the Tehl and Taroh communities to instead of carrying arms against each other, sheath their swords and adopt dialogue as a means of dispute resolutions. This way, the Taroh and Tehl Communities will live peacefully as they’ve always done”.
“He calls on the security agencies to clamp down on the violence, fish out the perpetrators and bring them to book.
“Hon. John Dafaan, on behalf of his family, and the good people of Mikang/Shendam/Qua’an-Pan Federal Constituency, sends his deepest condolences to the victims and their families, Mikang Traditional Council, and the Government and people of Mikang Local Government as a whole.
Hon Caroline Panglang Dafur, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Developmentn – Sues For Calm, Says There Is No Alternative To Peace
Hon Caroline Panglang Dafur, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Plateau State has called for calm among the youth of Langtang North and Mikang Local Government over the avoidable land dispute that sadly degenerated into a clash, claiming lives and destroying properties
In a statement personally signed by the Commissioner on Sunday, 24th March, 2024, the peace loving member of the State Executive Council said “I am devastated by what I saw today. This betrays the age long peaceful relationship between the Two Local Governments that has been intimately interwoven in communal, mutual and cordial coexistence”
The recipient of the ‘Award of Excellent Leadership In Fight Against Child Trafficking and Social Welfare Protection’ stressed the invaluable importance of peace for socioeconomic development. “There is no any meaningful achievement that can be recorded in an atmosphere of war and rancour. In fact there is no alternative to peace”.
Preaching dialogue as the best method of conflict resolution, the Commissioner added that “what dialogue cannot give, monologue cannot give, so therefore, it is imperative that we embrace dialogue to resolve our differences”
She said “His Excellency, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Executive Governor of Plateau State embodies peaceful coexistence and has worked tirelessly towards ensuring lasting peace on the Plateau. The testaments of his peaceful efforts are evident in the current peace being enjoined in the state. It behooves on all and sundry to queue behind him to ensure that the whole state is peaceful”
While condemning the regrettable clash, the Commissioner expresses her “heartfelt condolences to those who loss their loved ones and properties. May God Almighty repose their souls”
Rt Hon Moses Thomas, Former Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly – Regrettably Condemns the unfortunate events, calls for calm in affected areas
Rt Hon Moses Thomas Sule, former Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly has called for calm amidst the unwarranted crises in parts of Tehl district, Mikang LGA that has consumed innocent lives causing injuries and see the destruction of properties and displacement of people from their homes.
Rt.Hon Moses Thomas Sule Media Team in a statement on Monday, 25th March, 2024 said “Hon Moses Thomas Sule sympathizes with the people of Ponglong, Lalin and the entire Tehl community and pray that our good God will comfort them during this trying times
“The former Speaker Plateau State House of Assembly calls for a peaceful dialogue between the two affected parties involved in the unfortunate event and call on the security outfits to take action with immediate effect to unravel the main issue and tackle it to avoid any future occurrences.
