The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party during the 2023 election, Peter Obi on Wednesday decried the incessant attacks by gunmen in Plateau state and other parts of the country.
In the past two months, more than 300 persons have been killed by gunmen in different communities n the state, particularly in Mangu LGA with properties worth millions of naira destroyed.
Obi whose 62nd birthday was on Wednesday spoke at the Rayfield Government House in Jos while addressing the state Governor, Caleb Mutfwang.
The LP presidential candidate said he chose to visit Plateau on the occasion of his birthday because he decided to visit the Internally Displaced Persons in Mangu to show support to the people.
The former governor also commiserated with the people over the killings that had claimed several lives and properties in some Local Government Areas of the State.
Obi said, “I would like to commend the Governor for his relentless efforts to see that these killings stop. For us as Nigerians, it is time to be with our people, especially in this trying period. Nigerians cannot continue to get killed in their homes unprovoked and we fold our arms.
“We cannot compensate for a life lost we can only show support. We must do everything within our means to bring these barbaric killings to an end,” Obi stressed.
He added that Plateau state was known to be the most peaceful state in Nigeria with beautiful weather and a serene environment but expressed regret that in recent years, it’s been plagued by crisis and killings.
“We must go back to the Plateau we used to know. A Plateau where people from various parts of life come to organise events and enjoy the beauty of Plateau. I call on security agencies to collaborate and bring these perpetrators to justice.”
He assured the state governor and the people of Plateau of his unwavering support to end the killings.
Responding, Governor Mutfwang wished Mr. Obi a happy birthday and thanked him for his visit to his state.
Mutfwang stated that it was such an honour for Obi to celebrate his birthday with the IDPs in the Mangu LGA.
“Mangu has been in the news a lot because it was one of the most peaceful areas of the state. Losing over 300 lives in the space of two months is a National disaster that must stop and so, we are determined to fight to the end to ensure Plateau State remains the home of peace and tourism,” Mutfwang mentioned.
“You have changed the political landscape in Nigeria. We share a similar vision of a Nigeria that works where the children of the poor can also be recognised, and where every Nigerian can sleep without fear of being killed. We as a government are committed to this task and we promise to do our best,” he added.
The LP presidential candidate later visited the paramount traditional ruler of Mangu where he donated 100 bags of rice and 5 million naira to the victims of the Mangu attacks before he left the state.
The PUNCH
