Plateau gov rages over outbreak, losses to communal clashes

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has expressed outrage over communal clashes leading to the wanton destruction of lives and property in Langtang North and Mikang Local Government Areas of the state.

The governor called on security agencies to respond decisively and hold the perpetrators and their sponsors accountable to the full extent of the law, and urged swift mobilisation to the affected areas to prevent any further escalation of the situation.

Recall that controversy over the ownership of farmland occurred at Ponglong, Lalin District of Mikang, and the nearby Funyallang community in Langtang North.

Stakeholders including security agencies, the Transition Committee Chairmen of Mikang and Langtang North LGAs, Daniel Kungmi and Nanmwa Kumzhi respectively visited the community, to avert further mayhem but the situation escalated leading to the killing of yet to be confirmed number of persons, burning of food barns and sacking of people in Ponglong, Baltai, Pal, Balkwa, Konggunk and Mugam, all of them villages in the Lalin District of Mikang.

A statement by the Governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere said, “In the wake of the violence that erupted on Saturday 23 and Sunday, March 24, 2024, Governor Mutfwang extended his sympathies to the victims, denouncing the clashes as unnecessary and unacceptable. He emphasized that such acts undermine the government’s intensive efforts to foster peace and unity among citizens of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, with the collective aim of advancing the state’s growth and prosperity.

“Governor Mutfwang underscored the importance of dialogue as the most civilized and effective means of conflict resolution. He questioned the rationale behind individuals resorting to violence, taking the law into their own hands, and targeting innocent communities with arson. Governor Mutfwang appealed to traditional, community, and religious leaders, as well as key stakeholders from the affected communities, to initiate dialogue and work towards an amicable resolution of the disputes in order to foster an atmosphere of harmonious co-existence.”