Plateau N’Assembly caucus pledges legislative backing to end community attacks

2026-02-27 - 13:17

By Golok Nanmwa The Plateau State National Assembly Caucus has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting legislative and executive measures to end recurring attacks in rural communities across the state. This pledge came during a solidarity and condolence visit to Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Government House in Jos on Friday over the tragic deaths of young miners in Zurak community, Wase Local Government Area, and violent attacks in Ratatis, Dorowa Babuje, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, which claimed innocent lives, including traders. Led by Hon. John Dafa’an, the member representing Shendam/Quan’pan/Mikang Federal Constituency, the caucus condemned the incidents and expressed firm resolve to work closely with the state government to find lasting solutions to security challenges. On the Zurak mining tragedy in mid-February, where at least 37 miners died from suspected toxic gas exposure (carbon monoxide leak) at a lead mining site, Hon. Dafa’an conveyed heartfelt condolences to bereaved families, the government, and Governor Mutfwang. He backed the Federal Government’s investigative panel probing the incident to ensure accountability. The caucus leader also strongly condemned attacks in Barkin Ladi LGA, including the assault on Ratatis in Dorowa Babuje that killed at least 10 people and triggered road blockades and reprisals, leading to further trader and villager deaths. He urged residents to avoid inflaming tensions or damaging Plateau’s image, while calling on security agencies to intensify arrests of perpetrators. Hon. Dafa’an assured the governor of the caucus strong commitment to backing all legislative and executive actions targeted at ending sporadic killings in rural areas. He appealed to religious and traditional leaders to sustain partnerships with government and security operatives for peacebuilding and restoring Plateau’s identity as the “Home of Peace and Tourism. ”Responding, Governor Mutfwang appreciated the visit as a morale booster in tough times. He expressed sorrow over the Zurak incident and noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had been briefed and that preventive steps had been initiated. He stressed that no violence would deter inclusive leadership focused on peace, unity, and coexistence among ethnic and religious groups, calling for enhanced federal-state collaboration to halt attacks. Governor Mutfwang commended traditional, religious, and community leaders for stabilisation efforts.“Under no circumstances should anyone lose his or her life while travelling on the highway,” he emphasised. He extended sympathies to victims’ families and prayed for the injured’s recovery, urging Plateau indigenes to unite against criminality for lasting peace, security, and prosperity.