The Ujah of Anaguta, Paramount traditional ruler of Jos north local government area of Plateau state, Mr. Johnson Magaji Jauro, said Governor Simon Lalong has done his best to promote security and peace in the State and that people should not blame him for the recent attacks in the State saying such accusations are baseless and uncharitable.
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 the destruction of properties.
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 arrested and punished according to the law because the attack was very barbaric and carefully planned, but the governor who has not only empowered the security agencies to protect the people, established structures to promote peaceful coexistence cannot be blamed for the attack.
“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 reading all sorts of things on 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.
Chairman or Anaguta Development Association Mr. Sunday Bunu said the community has been exposed due to lack of a Police station and access road which made response difficult during the attack. “We want 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”.
Mr. Bitrus Pada who lost members of his family and spoke on behalf of the other families said a total of 33 people were killed during the attack while several others were injured and are receiving treatment in various hospitals. “We need urgent supply of food items and temporary shelter as most of our possessions were burned and looted”. Mr. Pada said.
Governor Lalong while condoling the community over the incident said he was highly grieved over the killings which can never be left to go unpunished.
The Governor directed that “a police station be established in the village I am assuring you that the newly trained vigilante will be deployed to the area, relief materials will be supplied immediately to alleviate your suffering”.
He also visited the residence of the village head as well as the bridge linking the community which was destroyed directing that immediate repairs be carried out.
Lalong also told the mourners that he has mandated security agencies to find the killers no matter how long it takes stating that all attacks in the State are purely acts of criminality, regardless of attempts by some persons to change the narrative.
He asked the Anaguta people and others who have suffered 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.
The Governor prayed that they are consoled over the tragedy promising justice for those killed as anyone arrested will feel the full weight of the law.
Nnenna.O
