‘ I’ll Stand By My People’, Vows Lalong As He Visits Bassa and Jos North local Govt Where Over 30 People Were Killed
The Oasis Reporters
August 30, 2021
By Asile Abel, Jos
In the wake of the recent terrorists attacks in Bassa and Jos North local government areas in which scores were killed, Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, has embarked on a visit to the troubled areas of the State.
Lalong who led a delegation of traditional rulers , other stakeholders as well as security operatives said he would always stand by his people at all times .
The Governor’s first port of call was the Yelwa Zangam Community where over 30 persons were killed by terrorist gunmen.
Ateker Pada Bitrus who lost 9 members of his immediate family spoke on behalf of the survivors, wherein he appealed to the governor to urgently address the food crisis in the community following the destruction of their grains and their farmlands. He said that over 33 lives were lost in the bloody attack.
He also requested on behalf of the community for the building of a police station to assist in distress calls response.
Governor Lalong while expressing his condolences to the Anaguta nation sued for restraints expressing concern over those he described as using the deaths of the over 30 persons in the community to score political points.
He sympathized with the affected people and called for calm, assuring them that they will get justice, “we would ensure that those arrested are prosecuted”, he vowed .
Lalong again warned criminals that they will be pursued, arrested and dealt with, no matter how long it takes, as his administration will not allow the reign of terror to persist and rubbish all the investments made in restoring calm in the State.
We will act swiftly to the request of the Anaguta Association, especially the siting of a Police Station and rehabilitation of the bridge, adding that, “when next I come back here it is to commission these projects, but we must continue to pray and be watchful”.
He also announced that the Federal and state governments will mobilize relief materials that will be distributed beginning Monday to the affected communities, while he expects more federal deployments of security personnel.
He thereafter took a tour of Yelwa Zangam to assess for himself, the level of carnage visited on the community
The Paramount leader of Anaguta people, His Royal Highness Johnson Juro who also spoke at the occasion described Governor Simon Lalong as a lover of the people of Anaguta .
In his words ” I am the chief mourner and nobody can mourn the lives and property lost more than me. I am not blaming Governor Lalong for the misfortune that befell us. Let the hate on social media stop.”
“Lalong has always stood for us and the people of Plateau at all times .
‘Lets continue to support Governor Lalong to tackle the insecurity bedeviling the state”, he pleaded.
