President Bola Tinubu has assured the people of Plateau State that his administration remains committed to ending the persistent killings and restoring lasting peace across troubled communities.
Represented by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, at a political rally in Jos on Saturday, the president said the government is deeply concerned about the continued attacks and the loss of lives.
“Let me assure the people of Plateau that your concerns are taken note of. Plateau is looking for peace; you don’t want your children to die young.
“So many people have died on the Plateau, and we are not happy; the President is not happy. We cannot deny the fact that many of you have been killed and made homeless, but we must stop this. We must bring peace to the Plateau,” Akpabio said.
Plateau State has remained a major hotspot this year, with repeated attacks in communities like Bokkos and Bassa leading to dozens of deaths.
Groups have held protests in Jos, calling the killings “genocide” and demanding stronger federal action. Homes have been burnt, property looted, and entire villages forced to flee.
Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang, had earlier apologised to the people of Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) for the failure of government and security agencies to protect lives and properties.
However, the Federal Government and the African Union caution against using the term “genocide,” stressing that the conflict involves a mix of land disputes, criminal violence, and farmer–herder tensions.
The debate intensified after Donald Trump, earlier in November, claimed Christians were being exterminated and reportedly pushed for possible U.S. military action.
As the defectors were formally received, former Mutfwang Campaign Organisation Director-General, Latep Dabang, who spoke on their behalf, said their decision reflected dissatisfaction with the state’s current leadership.
“We assure you we will not put you to shame. We will ensure that the whole of Plateau is APC,” Dabang stated.
The Nasarawa State Governor and representative of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, also appealed to more politicians to align with the ruling party.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kanu, pledged the National Assembly’s support to the new entrants.
“We have left Abuja to identify with you because you have taken the right decision. We will walk with you to achieve the dream of our party,” he said.
The event, held at the Jos Polo Ground, also witnessed a landmark political shift as several high-profile politicians formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Among those who joined the ruling party were the 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate, Patrick Dakum; retired Major General John Sura; former lawmaker Senator Istifanus Gyang; and several influential figures from both the PDP and Labour Party.
APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, described the mass defection as proof of the party’s growing strength in the state.
“Today we have one party on the Plateau. It is APC or nothing. President Tinubu will win Plateau State, and APC will win the governorship,” Nentawe said.
The rally ended with the presentation of APC flags and symbolic brooms to the defectors, followed by cheers and solidarity chants from party supporters.
