FULL TEXT OF GOVERNOR LALONG'S BROADCAST

SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. SIMON BAKO LALONG, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE My fellow citizens of Plateau State, it is with a heavy heart that I address you at this very critical moment: when the Peace and stability of our state is being threatened by evil forces determined to take us back to the gory moments of the past. Many of you must have heard of the recent attacks in Miango District of Bassa and Bokkos Local Government Areas respectively within the past one week. These series of systematic attacks orchestrated by armed men have led to the destruction of innocent lives and properties in these affected communities. As a responsible government that shares in the plight of its citizens, we condemn in the strongest possible terms the resurgence of violent attacks in some of our communities in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas. Let me on behalf of the good and peace loving people of Plateau State commiserate with the families of those who have lost their dear ones in these series of attacks. To those who sustained varying degrees of injuries, we assure you that government will give you the necessary support to overcome your loss and your hurts. I pray for the repose of the souls that were lost as a result of this renewed violence and also pray God to assuage the anguish of their bereavement. Yu Let me also assure you of the unwavering commitment of our Administration to deliver on the promise of peace and security. Although this emerging conflict trend has affected our collective efforts to further consolidate the gains of our post conflict peace-building process, however our commitment to ensure the security of lives and property remains unshakable. As part of measures to in the interim arrest the vicious cycle of violent attacks, we are poised to immediately review our State security architecture while working closely with Security Agencies to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of these heinous crimes. Let me assure our citizens that some arrests have already been made and the suspects will be arraigned before the relevant authorities in no distant future. Meanwhile, beyond these interim measures, we have developed a sustainable policy response to the protracted conflict in the State as contained in the Road Map to Peace document which was recently launched by Mr. President. This document contains sustainable solutions to the challenges of peace and security in Plateau State. The Rescue Administration is determined to implement the details of this plan considering the potential it holds for the future of our state in terms of peace and security. In conclusion, I call on all citizens to remain calm and to volunteer useful information to Security Agencies about any suspicious movement or persons around your neighbourhood. I call on all citizens to shun rumours and inflammatory speeches capable of disturbing the peace. At a very critical moment like this, let us work together to lend support to those directly affected by these unfortunate incidents. We must focus on what binds us together as against those that are threatening to tear us apart. Long Live Plateau State! Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!