Beyond party, religious and ethnic affiliations, Plateau State is united by grief and in sober mood as the state pays tributes amidst tears to the departed Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Hon Slyvanus Namang who was gruesomely murdered by unknown gunmen alongside Sunny Best, owner of a business outfit along Pankshin – Jos road on Saturday, 17th February, 2024.
Party differences did not matter, different ways of worshipping our creator was not a barrier, our diversity in tongues became secondary. Indeed, the sanctity of human life and bond of brotherhood can never be replaced by any affiliation.
H.E BARR. CALEB MANASSEH MUTFWANG, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE
Leading the tributes is the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang in a statement issued by Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State on the 19th February, 2024 “expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the brutal killing of the State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Sylvanus Namang by suspected kidnappers”.
Governor Mutfwang described the incident as a “heinous crime and a barbaric act that violates the sanctity of human life. He urged the security agencies to spare no effort in tracking down and bringing to justice the culprits of the dastardly act”.
Bere quoted Barr Mutfwang as saying that “the untimely death of the State Publicity Secretary was a colossal loss not only to his family and the APC, but also to the entire Plateau State and the nation at large. He sympathized with the Mwaghavul nation, the APC, Plateau State and all those who knew and worked with the late Sylvanus Namang”.
Governor Mutfwang eulogized late Sylvanus Namang for “his unwavering faith, wisdom, diligence, commitment and resilience in the service of God and humanity”. “He was a loyal and dedicated party man who contributed immensely to the growth and development of the APC in the state. He said he was a compassionate and generous leader who touched many lives with his kindness and charity “irreparable loss”, she concluded.
Plateau State Deputy Governor, H.E Ngo Josephine Piyo.
The Deputy Governor in a statement signed by Martha Nyam, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor said the killing was “unfortunate and shocking, describing the late scribe-man as a dedicated spokesman of the APC on the Plateau who made an impact on the party and state as a whole”.
Ngo “called on citizens to always report suspicious movements in their communities and join hands with the government to fight the cycle of killings in the state”. Adding that the security agencies should “intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators of the crime and bring them to justice”.
“Piyo commiserated with the immediate family, the APC, political associates, and friends on the painful loss, she prayed for the repose of his soul and the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”, she concluded.
SEN. SIMON BAKO LALONG
On this part, the leader of APC in the state, Sen. Simon Bako Lalong said he was “devastated by the news of the killing of the APC spokesperson”, who he described as a journalist, politician and community leader.
In a statement by his media adviser, Makut Macham, the former governor said “the killing was unfortunate and condemnable, urging the security agencies to bring the killers to justice”.
He said Mr Namang’s death was a big loss to his family and the APC in the state and nation at large.
The senator said Mr Namang was an accomplished journalist and media manager who rose to the peak of his career before taking part in active politics where he gave the APC sound visibility upon taking over as State Publicity Secretary.
The former governor commiserated with the family of the deceased and assured them that the APC family would do everything possible to unearth those behind his murder and ensure they face justice.
DR NENTAWE YILWATDA GOSHWE, 2023 APC GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE
Dr Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe has expressed deep sadness and depression following the death of the State’s All Progressives Congress APC Publicity Secretary in Pankshin on Saturday evening.
In a message on his verified “X” handle (formerly known as Twitter), Dr Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe said “I am saddened and deeply depressed by the gruesome murder of the Plateau State APC Publicity Secretary, Mr. Sylvannus Namang.”
The former INEC Commissioner expressed grave concern that “more disturbing is the fact that this is coming on the heels of many threats he received that were duly reported to the security agencies”.
“This calls for the security agencies to properly investigate and arrest the perpetrators of this dastard act. In addition, the harrowing state of security in our state calls for the state and the security of agencies to synergize to protect the lives and property of our citizens” he said.
APC AS A PARTY
The National Deputy Secretary of the APC, Barr Festus Fuanter, who described Namang’s death as a big blow to the party, demanded a thorough investigation.. According to Fuanter, Namang, before his killing, received over 20 death threats.
Fuanter said, “His death is quite sad. If it was a case of kidnapping, they would have abducted him and left. Why kill him on the spot? We are waiting for the outcome of any possible investigation and security report on the circumstances surrounding the incident and we will respond appropriately.
“Because, before now, he has received more than 20 threats to his life, some of which he has reported to the security authorities.”
HON RUFUS BATURE, APC STATE CHAIRMAN
The Chairman of the Plateau State APC, Rufus Bature, described Namang’s death as shocking
Bature said, “As a party, we are not fine at all. The death of the party’s state Publicity Secretary at this time is quite unfortunate. He was a complete gentleman and a humble human being committed to his duties. He had no fears of telling the truth. We will sorely miss him”
HON. ISHAYA DAVID LALU, Member Representing Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency
Hon. Lalu had nothing but eulogies for Slyvanus Namang saying “His heights of journalistic professionalism exemplified in ethical values earned his election as the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Plateau State chapter, where he maximally deployed his incremental knowledge in public relations to advance the course of the APC and brought his wealth of experience to bear in laundering the image of the party beyond illusion”.
He continued “HON NAMANG’S philosophical politicking, his thought-provoking humility, his cheerful embrace, wise counsel and his contributions to the growth of the All Progressives Congress and the development and wellbeing of his family and beyond will be greatly missed and the vacuum created will be difficult to fill”.
Perplexed by the circumstances of his demise, Hon Lalu lamented that “the mystery of death is beyond human comprehension for control and or bargain. It is only in the knowledge of God the creator and His unquestionable exclusive preserve, and is bearable since no one can do anything to stem the tide.
He surrendered to the solemnity of God “Let’s therefore be consoled in the reality that death is the inevitable end and the way of all mortals justified by time divine, and in the fact that there shall come a definite time and season of reunion if we remain in the faith”.
Lalu prayed the “good LORD in the abundance of his unfailing grace and in the bounties of His mercies, grant the deceased family, relations, friends and all those who mourn him inspirational comfort and the courage to bear his painful exit and may Plateau people be consoled”.
HON. BAGOS MUSA DACHUNG
The former Member Representati Jos South Jos East Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives Abuja, Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos in a statement signed by Dafwam Yakubu Danja, Special Adviser Media and Publicity expressed sadness over the killing of Hon. Silvanus Namang by gunmen in Pankshin town!
Hon. Bagos reiterated that “our nation is gradually turning into a dungeon of insecurity. And the federal government must rise to see that the lives of citizens are protected against the evil ones among us. It is sad that innocent Nigerian lives continue to be lost to gunmen. He further called on the security agencies to ensure that they apprehend those who committed this evil”.
“It is unfortunate that insecurity is threatening our peace as a state and nation” said Bagos.
AMB CHRIS GIWA
Giwa in his reaction to the death of the party’s spokesperson described it as tragic and devastating given how he was gunned down in cold blood and calls for a thorough investigation into the incident and the arrest of the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
He remembers the deceased as “a consummate journalist who rose to the peak of his career and in his retirement, was saddled with the onerous task of communicating with and engaging the public as the spokesman of the party, a function he performed admirably”.
Giwa extends his heartfelt sympathy to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Late Namang’s family, his friends and loved ones at this difficult moment. He offers prayers for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for God to grant those he left behind the fortitude to overcome the irreparable loss
HON DAN MANJANG, mnipr, MDIV
“In remembrance of Sylvanus Namang, we honor his life and mourn the tragic circumstances of his untimely passing. Sylvanus was more than just a name; he was a son, a brother, a friend, and a pillar of his community. His gruesome killing shook us to our core and serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the brutality that exists in our world” said Manjang
The former Commissioner of Information continued that “Sylvanus was a beacon of hope and positivity in his community. His infectious smile and kind heart touched the lives of everyone he encountered. Whether he was lending a helping hand to a neighbor in need or sharing a laugh with friends, Sylvanus radiated warmth and compassion wherever he went”.
“His dedication to making the world a better place was evident in his tireless efforts to uplift those around him. Whether through his volunteer work, his advocacy for social justice, or simply by being a listening ear for those in distress, Sylvanus exemplified the true meaning of selflessness and empathy.
“The circumstances surrounding Sylvanus’s death are a stark reminder of the injustices that continue to plague our society. His life was cut short in a senseless act of violence that robbed him of his future and left his loved ones grappling with grief and disbelief. The pain of his loss is immeasurable, and the void left by his absence will never be filled.
“But even in the face of such darkness, Sylvanus’s light continues to shine brightly. His memory serves as a beacon of hope and resilience, inspiring us to stand up against injustice and work towards a world where senseless violence has no place.
“As we mourn Sylvanus’s passing, let us also celebrate the legacy he leaves behind. Let us remember his kindness, his generosity, and his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Though he may no longer be with us in body, his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him” said Manjang
He appealed that “may Sylvanus’s memory be a blessing to all who knew him, and may his tragic death serve as a catalyst for change in our society. Let us honor his life by striving to create a world where senseless violence is eradicated, and where every individual is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve”.
HON. SANI A. SHILAK (GOLDEN)
Chief Hon. Sani A. Shilak, Tafidan Panyam and Fagacin Gindiri said “he received with rude shock the passage of Da Sylvanus Namang which came so sudden, especially at a time his wise counsel was needed most”.
Hon. Sani described the perpetrators of the dastardly act as cowards whose stock in trade is to maim and kill innocent citizens and requested the security agencies to take immediate action so as to arrest the culprits and make them to face the full wrath of the law.
