Press Statement
The Ujah of Anaguta, His Royal Highness Pozo Johnson Magaji Jauro, First Class Traditional Ruler in Jos North Local Government has berated those blaming Governor Simon Lalong for the recent attacks in the State saying such accusations are baseless and uncharitable as the Governor has done his best to promote security and peace of the State.
The Ujah was speaking when Governor Lalong visited Yelwa Zangam village in Jos North Local Government Area to commiserate with the community over the recent attack that claimed lives and resulted in destruction of properties.
He said the Anaguta nation is grieved with the attack which was very barbaric and carefully planned, but cannot put the blame on Governor who has not only empowered the security agencies to protect the people, but has also established structures to promote peaceful coexistence.
He said what is needed now is for the Governor to be supported to pursue the cause of justice by ensuring that the perpetrators are fished out and punished according to the law.
“I want everyone to quote me. I am the Chief mourner of this tragedy and nobody can mourn more than me. Let me appreciate the swift response of the security agencies and Government when we were attacked. I am not blaming Governor Lalong for the attack. I have been hearing all sorts of nonsense on the social media. How can somebody emancipate you and then turn back to kill you. This narrative is very very unfortunate. Governor Lalong is a lover of Anaguta people, lover of Jos North, Lover of Plateau State and lover of peace” he said.
Also speaking, Mr. Sunday Bunu, Chairman or Anaguta Development Association said the community has been exposed due to lack of a Police station and access road which made response difficult during the attack. He asked for compensation for the victims, rehabilitation of houses destroyed, payment of hospital bills,
reconstruction of Kunga bridge, as well as the construction of an alternative road linking the village to the permanent site of the University.
A representative of the affected families Mr. Bitrus Pada who lost members of his family said a total of 33 people were killed during the attack while several others were injured and are receiving treatment in various hospitals. He said they need urgent supply of food items and temporary shelter as most of their possessions were burned and looted.
Governor Lalong while condoling the community over the incident said he was highly grieved over the killings which are purely criminal and can never be left to go unpunished.
The Governor directed that a police station be established in the village and assured them that the newly trained vigilante will be deployed to the area. He also directed that relief materials be supplied immediately to alleviate the suffering of the victims. He also visited the residence of the village head which was destroyed as well as the bridge linking the community, directing that immediate repairs be carried out.
Lalong also told them that he has mandated the security agencies to fish out the killers no matter how long it takes because all the attacks in the State are purely acts of criminality, no matter the attempts by some persons to change the narrative.
The Governor urged the people to be consoled as no amount of conjecture will bring back the dead. However, he assured them that he will ensure that those killed get justice as those arrested will be head prosecuted diligently.
He asked the Anaguta people and others who have suffered recent in recent attacks to ignore the attempt by some politicians to incite them and pitch them against the government under the guise that they care for them.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
29th August 2021.
