President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ending the recurring violence in Plateau State, declaring that the Federal Government will not relent until peace is fully restored to affected communities.
The president, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio at a political rally in Jos on Saturday, said the government is deeply troubled by the persistent attacks and the mounting death toll.
“Let me assure the people of Plateau that your concerns are taken note of. Plateau is looking for peace; you don’t want your children to die young,” Akpabio said.
“So many people have died on the Plateau, and we are not happy; the President is not happy. We cannot deny the fact that many of you have been killed and made homeless, but we must stop this. We must bring peace to the Plateau.”
Rising Violence Sparks Protests and Outcry
Plateau State has witnessed repeated attacks this year, particularly in Bokkos and Bassa, with dozens killed and many homes destroyed. Outraged residents have staged protests in Jos, describing the killings as “genocide” and demanding stronger federal intervention as villages continue to be burned and families displaced.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang recently apologised to the people of Bassa LGA, acknowledging the failure of security agencies and the government to adequately safeguard lives and property.
The Federal Government and the African Union, however, have cautioned against the use of the term “genocide,” insisting that the violence stems from a complex mix of land disputes, criminal attacks, and farmer–herder clashes. The debate intensified after former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed Christians were being “exterminated” and reportedly pushed for potential U.S. military involvement earlier in November.
Major Political Realignments in Plateau
The event at the Jos Polo Ground also saw a significant political shift as several high-profile politicians defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Among those who joined the ruling party were:
- Patrick Dakum, 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate
- Maj. Gen. John Sura (rtd.)
- Senator Istifanus Gyang, former lawmaker
- Other notable figures from the PDP and Labour Party
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, former Mutfwang Campaign Organisation DG Latep Dabang said their move was driven by dissatisfaction with the present leadership of the state.
“We assure you we will not put you to shame. We will ensure that the whole of Plateau is APC,” Dabang said.
Representing the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule urged more leaders to join the party.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kanu also pledged the National Assembly’s full support for the new entrants.
“We have left Abuja to identify with you because you have taken the right decision. We will walk with you to achieve the dream of our party,” Kanu said.
APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda hailed the mass defection as evidence of the party’s growing influence in Plateau State.
“Today we have one party on the Plateau. It is APC or nothing. President Tinubu will win Plateau State, and APC will win the governorship,” he declared.
The rally concluded with the presentation of APC flags and symbolic brooms to the defectors, accompanied by cheers and chants from enthusiastic supporters.
