‘We’ll not surrender our land to fear’: Group condemns Plateau killings

A group, the Plateau Vanguard for Democracy (PVD), has condemned the killings of ten persons in Ratatis community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The group, while stating that the people of Plateau State will not succumb to renewed violence aimed at fracturing the unity of the state, described the attack as a calculated attempt to deepen fear and division among communities in the state.

The PVD, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesman, Chris Ishaku, said: “The people of Plateau State will not be broken.

“No amount of bloodshed, intimidation or calculated violence will destroy our collective resolve to live together in peace. Those behind these attacks seek to fracture our unity, but they will fail.”

The group stated that the state had endured too much pain over the years to allow itself to be pushed into fresh cycles of hatred and reprisals.

“We have endured too much pain to allow ourselves to be pushed into division. Plateau people are stronger than the forces of hatred. We will not surrender our land to fear,” it added.

Calling for calm, the PVD urged the people of Plateau State not to retreat into ethnic or religious camps in the wake of the killings.

Protest erupts in Plateau over killing of 10 residents

The PVD said: “This is not the time to retreat into ethnic or religious camps. This is the time to stand shoulder to shoulder as one Plateau family. The blood being shed does not ask whether one is Christian or Muslim, Berom, Fulani, Anaguta or Irigwe.

“Unity remains the strongest defence against those who profit from chaos.

“The strength of Plateau has always been in its diversity. We must not allow agents of division to weaponise our differences. Unity is our greatest weapon against those who profit from instability.”

The group also called on residents to offer prayers and support for Governor Caleb Mutfwang and other leaders in the state as they grapple with the renewed security challenges.

“Governor Mutfwang carries a heavy burden in these trying times. We must support him with our prayers and constructive engagement as he works with security agencies to restore calm,” the group noted.

The latest attack has heightened tension in Barkin Ladi and surrounding communities, with residents expressing grief and anxiety over the recurring violence.

The Star