Plateau killings: PDP chairman seeks end

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Umar Damagun, has condoled the government and people of Plateau State following the recent security challenges leading to the loss of lives and property, particularly in Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas.

Damagun expressed these on Thursday when he led members of the party’s national working committee on a condolence visit to the state governor, Caleb Mutfwang, at the New Government House, Little Rayfield.

He also congratulated the governor on his victory at the Supreme Court.

Damagun noted with sadness the challenges the state has faced since the election period, including legal disputes, the Christmas Eve attack, and the recent security breach in Mangu.

Recall that no fewer than 30 persons were killed in Plateau State in the early hours of Wednesday by gunmen who attacked Kwahaslalek village, Mangu Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that the victims, who were mostly women and children, had run to the house of a community leader in the area on Tuesday night for safety following earlier unrest during the day in Mangu town when the gunmen surrounded them and killed all of them

However, speaking, the PDP chairman affirmed his confidence in Mutfwang’s leadership, saying that the governor possesses the capability to guide the state back to its former glory as the “Home of Peace and Tourism.”

“We came here for two reasons: to mourn with you and the good people of Plateau State over the pains you have suffered due to insecurity and to congratulate you on your victory at the Supreme Court. I pray that God will use you to bring back the sweet memories of the past good days of Plateau State,” he stated.

In an interview with journalists, the PDP national chairman urged the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu to adopt a preventive approach to tackling the security challenges facing the country.

While commending Mutfwang’s electoral triumph, Damagun said it was a demonstration that the governor is truly the chosen leader in Plateau. He conveyed gratitude to the late Chief Solomon Lar, the pioneer national chairman of the party, for establishing a solid foundation for the PDP.

Earlier in his response, Mutfwang thanked the National Chairman and the members of the National Working Committee for their visit.

He acknowledged the unfortunate security situation in the state and reassured his commitment to addressing the challenges, making Plateau State a secure haven for all citizens and investors.

Mutfwang thanked the National Working Committee for their support during the legal tussle and upcoming by-election in Plateau North.

He said the claims of a lack of structure within the PDP in the state have been addressed by the Supreme Court and emphasised the party’s commitment to doing the right thing at all times.