By Lateef Ibrahim Abuja
A group, the Plateau Vanguard for Democracy, (PVD) has vowed that the people of Plateau State will not succumb to renewed violence aimed at fracturing the fragile unity of the state, following the killing of ten 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. As of press time, details surrounding the circumstances of the attack remained sketchy.
In a press statement issued Tuesday by its spokesman, Chris Ishaku, the PVD described the attack as a calculated attempt to deepen fear and division among Plateau’s diverse communities.
“The people of Plateau State will not be broken,” Ishaku declared.
He added, “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 declared with optimism.
Ishaku noted, sadly, 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 citizens not to retreat into ethnic or religious camps in the wake of the killings.
“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,” he said.
According to him, 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,” he stressed.
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.
“We urge the people of Plateau to pray fervently for Governor Caleb Mutfwang and all leaders at this critical time. Leadership in moments like this demands wisdom, courage and divine guidance,” Ishaku said.
“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”, he stated.
The latest attack has heightened tension in Barkin Ladi and surrounding communities, with residents expressing grief and anxiety over the recurring violence.
Despite the pain, PVD insisted that Plateau must not allow itself to be defined by bloodshed.
“Violence will not define us,” Ishaku affirmed. “We refuse to allow criminals and enemies of peace to dictate the future of our state”, it stressed.
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