Jang, Others Condemn Murder of Ex-HoS in Plateau

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Former Governor of Plateau State and Senator representing Plateau North in the National Assembly, Jonah David Jang, has condemned the gruesome murder of the state’s former Head of Service (HoS), Chief Moses Gwom, who was killed at his residence at Wereh village of Barki Ladi local government area by unknown gunmen suspected to be herders.

This is even as the Executive Director of Global Peace and Life Rescue Initiative(GOPRI), Ambassador Melvin Ejeh, described the recent attack as a deliberate effort by some unscrupulous elements to undermine the peace effort by the state government.

A resident of the area, who also condemned the attacks, said Gwom was killed alongside a soldier and a civilian in the attack, adding that the gunmen also attacked security operatives at a nearby checkpoint before wreaking havoc on the residence of late HoS.

State Police Public Relation Officer, Mr. Tyopev Terna, while confirming the killings, added that 12 others were injured and have been evacuated to a hospital.

The Police spokesman, who also said security men have been deployed to the village to douse tension and prevent escalation, however added that no arrest has been made yet.

Jang, in a statement entitled ‘One Killing Too Many’ described “the murder of Gwom along with two others, including a soldier with Operation Safe Haven in the state by suspected herdsmen” as dastardly.

He said, “It is a dastardly act by the merchants of evil who derive joy and happiness from bloodshed and human suffering, deserving the condemnation of all lovers of peaceful coexistence. As the recurrent victims of these types of deliberate attacks, our patience as a community is fast approaching its breaking point, especially when the arm of the law is impotent when it comes to the arrest and prosecution of the killers of our people.

“Our lands, weather, water, vegetation, and abundant natural resources are gifts from God, which no one can take from us however murderous the tactics they employ.

“Importantly, I wish to call on the Governor of Plateau State to do more in the area of security, in order to safeguard the lives and properties of all people who live in the state. For it is instructive to note that there is no peace to celebrate when innocent people are killed indiscriminately and chased away from their ancestral lands and homes.”

While sympathising with the family of Gwom, the Armed forces, and the families of all who were killed in the condemnable attack, Jang said he was doing so with a measure of hope that the assailants would be arrested and brought to book this time. “I wish to also appeal to our people in Plateau North Senatorial district and Plateau State in general to exercise calm and restraint, as we allow security forces to unravel the sponsors and perpetrators of this act.”

On his part, Ejeh, who called for immediate investigation, also urged Plateau citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement by any individual or group of individuals to security agents because security is a collective responsibility of all.