From Jude Owuamanam, Managing Editor, Northern Operations
JOS (Sundiata Post) – Youths in Plateau State have promised to do everything possible to ensure that the present peace being enjoyed in the state is jealousy guarded and maintained
In a statement signed by Plateau State Coordinator, Middle Belt Youth Council, Mr. Seth Mangset, the group said that
it is no longer news that Nigeria is facing its most critical moment once again, but that it’s not enough to plunge it into another war.
He said the world should be aware that Plateau State is the headquarters of Middle Belt and any trigger could be disastrous for the zone.
The statement said, “Despite the agitation for separation from the Federal Republic of Nigeria by the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), we the Middle Belt Youth Council on the Plateau have been monitoring with keen interest the ongoing developments. We are fully aware of the unfortunate development that is about to resurrect on the Plateau by some unscrupulous miscreants whose job is to raise crisis in the state as result of the tension across the country. Plateau State under Governor Simon Lalong has enjoyed peace for the time being and we cannot afford another break down of law and order in the state. Igbo people are peace-loving people on the Plateau for decades now and we cannot afford breaching our mutual relationship over the years. We hereby urge all the trouble makers to shun their tendencies or vacate the state immediately to allow peace to reign or face the consequences. Plateau State is not a place for them to do that. Let Plateau people decide what to do about it not any settler. Middle Belt is ready to ensure peace and unity, and a restructured Nigeria in the overall interest of all. Those who feel war mongering is their way of life are not welcomed on the Plateau.”
The youths called on the relevant security agencies to immediately take action and ensure the safety of lives and property of citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the state and work with the state government to forestall any break down of law and order.
“We cannot hesitate to act if this fails. We are ready to protect lives and property of peace loving people in the state. We also urge all the Middle Belters to ensure such in their respective territories.
“In view of the ongoing Operation Python II in the South Eastern Nigeria, we urge the Nigerian Military to follow the laid down laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and carry out their lawful duties without infringing on the rights of the citizens. Middle Belt is facing the worst security challenges in the country. We hereby call on the Nigerian Military to come to our aid instead of the South East.
“In conclusion, we the Middle Belt Youth Council on the Plateau are calling on the entire Plateau citizens to be on the red alert as a result of this insecurities surrounding us. So also, the entire Middle Belt region. We vehemently commend the effort of the Plateau state government to have swiftly arrested the situation and we’ll continue to support the government to ensure peace and order,” the statement concluded.
