The people of Plateau will not succumb to renewed violence aimed at fracturing the fragile unity of the state.
Mr Chris Ishaku, Spokesman, of the Plateau Vanguard for Democracy (PVD) made this known while speaking with newsmen on Tuesday.
He was reacting to the recent killing of 10 persons in Ratatis community, Dorowa Babuje, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area
The victims were reportedly attacked by armed men around 7:27 p.m. on Sunday in a late evening assault that has once again thrown the troubled locality into mourning.
Three other persons sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment. Meanwhile details surrounding the circumstances of the attack have remained sketchy.
Ishaku, who described the attack as a calculated attempt to deepen fear and division among Plateau’s diverse communities, said that residents of the state would not be broken.
“The people of Plateau 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,’’ he said.
He noted 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,” he added.
Calling for calm, Ishaku urged residents not to retreat into ethnic or religious camps in the wake of the killings.
According to him, 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.
“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 PVD spokesman also called on residents to offer prayers and support for Gov. Caleb Mutfwang and other leaders in the state as they grapple with the renewed security challenges.
‘’Leadership demands wisdom, courage and divine guidance in moments like this. Gov. 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,” he said.
He added that the latest attack had heightened tension in Barkin Ladi and surrounding communities, with residents expressing grief and anxiety over the recurring violence.
Ishaku stressed that the must not allow itself to be defined by bloodshed.
“Violence will not define us. We refuse to allow criminals and enemies of peace to dictate the future of our state,’’ he emphasised.
