Former Governor of Plateau State and former Senator, Da Jonah Jang, has said the recent wave of violence that claimed over 100 lives in one week is not the result of ordinary communal disputes, but rather a series of well-coordinated attacks carried out by a known group with a hidden agenda.
He urged the federal government to stop mischaracterising the crisis and to recognise its true nature in order to respond effectively.
Jang made the statement on Tuesday in Jos, expressing deep sorrow over the killings and calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently convene an expanded consultative meeting with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community representatives.
According to him, such a meeting would give the President firsthand insight into the situation, helping him develop a more informed and effective strategy to address the crisis.
He criticised the recent presidential directive that instructed Governor Caleb Mutfwang to treat the violence as a communal issue, describing it as the result of “inaccurate briefings.”
He stated that downplaying the crisis only hinders meaningful intervention and fails to address the targeted nature of the attacks.
Jang commended Governor Mutfwang for his efforts in managing the situation and also acknowledged President Tinubu’s expressed determination to end the killings.
However, he insisted that more decisive and well-informed actions are needed to halt the ongoing violence and protect the people.
He also urged the people of Plateau State to remain resilient, united, and proactive in defending their communities.
“As peace-loving and welcoming citizens, we have endured enough. It is time for us to defend ourselves against these aggressors,” he said.
Jang concluded by extending his condolences to the victims and their families, and pledged his continued support for the people of Plateau State during what he described as a deeply painful and challenging time.
Jang, you are part and parcel of the crises rocking Plateau state. In fact, the state witnessed the worst genocide during your misrule as governor. People like you should be arrested to account for their misrule.