Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has declared that the recent violence in the state is not merely a clash between farmers and herders but rather a genocide.
The governor expressed deep sorrow that the year 2023 concluded with a sense of sadness, as over 400 citizens lost their lives between April and December.
In a New Year address to the people, Mutfwang expressed disbelief that such an unimaginable bloodshed of innocent lives, both known and unknown, could occur in their beloved state, starting with minor conflicts in 2001.
He also lamented that Plateau State has gained notoriety both nationally and globally for all the wrong reasons.
His words: “While it is true that we ended the year 2023 on a sad note because of the many precious lives we lost, including but not limited to over 400 between April and June 2023, as well as the over 160 in the recent Christmas genocide.
“These unprovoked and simultaneous attacks in different villages were clearly premeditated and coordinated.
“These series of attacks on our people are a clear case of criminality, insurgency, and terrorism and must be seen and handled in that manner if we must succeed in halting this wanton destruction of lives and property.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is a misrepresentation of facts to describe these needless and unprovoked attacks on our people as a farmer-herder clash, as has always been the traditional narrative. Let us call a spade a spade; this is simple genocide!
“Let me use this medium again to commiserate with my dear Plateau People on these monumental killings, especially the affected communities and the families of the deceased.
“My heart goes out to you, and be assured that my family, the entire government and I deeply share in your grief. We will not rest on our oars but will tirelessly collaborate with the Federal Government to end these tragedies and bring succour to affected persons and communities.
“As a mark of honour for the memory of the deceased, I wish to declare a week of mourning from 1st January to 8th January 2024. During this period of mourning, flags will fly at half-mast.
“I urge all citizens to use these days for intense prayers to seek the intervention of the Almighty God in defending our territories and against wicked men that have risen against us.
“I wish to plead with our Muslim clerics to dedicate Friday, January 5, 2024, and our Christian Clergy to use Sunday, January 7, 2024, as a special prayer day for lasting peace to return to the Plateau. Monday, January 8, 2024, will be our official state day of mourning.
“It is gratifying that, despite these onslaughts, our spirits are not broken. Our resolve to defend our land and prosper therein has remained unshakeable. I am, therefore, confident that 2024 will reveal our inner strength and resilience in the face of these tribulations.”
The governor stated that, despite the bleak end of 2023, the state had made some significant improvements since his inauguration on May 29, 2023.
