The Plateau State governor, Simon Lalong has convened a high-level stakeholders meeting with traditional, political, community and religious leaders to brainstorm on how to bring an end to the cycle of violence in the state.
The Governor made this known in a broadcast message on Monday when addressing citizens on security situation in the State.
Lalong who also directed that his government pays the medical bills of those who are receiving treatment in various health facilities said, he held a separate meetings with leaders of Irigwe Land as well as Fulani Community to further engage them on lasting solutions to the protracted conflict within the area.
In his message, he said "it is important to state that we have had several engagements with them in the past and made efforts to ensure that peace prevails in the area. Between January and July this year, the Plateau Peace Building Agency has conducted over 34 mediation engagements at community levels in Miango, Kwall, Dusten Kura, and Gyelobari Districts of Bassa LGA".
In response to the attacks, Governor Lalong also held meetings with the Plateau Inter-Religious Council and directed them, along with the Peace Building Agency to swing into action by carrying out more consultations and engagements to defuse tensions, calm nerves and dig deep into the immediate and remote causes of these conflicts with a view to bringing the ugly situation to an end.
He noted that, it has again become clear that all these attacks are purely criminal activities that must be treated as such. Even though they are quickly given ethno-religious connotations, there is no justification for the killing of anyone human being.
"We are a society that is guided by rules which do not permit anyone to take the laws into his or her hands no matter the grievances", he said.
Lalong said, visited Yelwa Zangam village of Jos North Local Government to commiserate with the families of those affected, as well as reassure them that Government will stop at nothing to apprehend other fleeing suspects behind the attacks. "We are determined to ensure diligent investigation and prosecution to give them justice".
The Governor therefore commiserate with the entire citizens of the State over these sad developments, particularly he extended deep condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones, as well as those who sustained injuries and lost properties during the carnage.
In the same vein, Governor Lalong disclosed that he projected that the state will pursue inclusiveness through dialogue, collaboration and understanding as proactive dispute resolution mechanisms to address self-help and criminality in the state on a long term.
The Governor also revealed that he has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari during his visit in Abuja, for deployment of more security forces and equipment to enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies to protect the Plateau State people.
He commended the people of conscience across different faiths, ethnic and political backgrounds that have remained objective, dispassionate and resolute towards condemning the criminal actions of the attackers and offering useful surge, dispassionate and resolute towards condemning the criminal actions of the attackers and offering suggestions to Government on ways to improve public safety.