Jang, Lalong pledge to unite against insecurity in Plateau

By Polycarp Auta

Former governors of Plateau, Jonah Jang and Simon Lalong on Thursday promised to unite to tackle the rising security challenges in the state.

The duo spoke on Thursday in Jos when President Bola Tinubu visited the north-central state.

The president’s visit followed the Sunday security breach that claimed 28 lives at Anguwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government.

The incident left several others injured.

Jang, while describing the security breach as “one too many”, promised to unite with other key leaders toward tackling the menace.

He said that the rising spate of insecurity was sabotaging economic prosperity, describing it as a ploy to destabilise the 2027 general elections.

“I believe Plateau is still the home of peace and tourism.

“As governor, Joshua Dariye suffered security challenges; I suffered it, Simon Lalong went through it, and now Caleb Mutfwang is facing that too.

“But, we will unite to fight this monster; some people want to sabotage the next election but, by the grace of God, we will resist it,” Jang said.

The former senator, who appealed to the president to create time for a special session with Plateau leaders to discuss the security challenges, advised him to be proactive in tackling the menace.

Corroborating Jang, Lalong also pledged his commitment towards a united and peaceful Plateau.

Lalong, currently the senator representing Plateau South, decried the lingering security challenges in the state.

“By privilege, I saw it all.

“I was Speaker of the House of Assembly when Dariye was governor for eight years, and we faced fierce security challenges.

“When I became governor, I was confronted by similar challenges.

“But, I believe that when leaders come together, we may find something that will lead to lasting peace in Plateau,” Lalong said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

President Tinubu had during the visit charged security agencies to synergise and fish out killers involved in the Sunday night attacks while calling on stakeholders and citizens of the state to ensure that Plateau returned to the days when peace reigned.

The president also gave a marching order to security agents to ensure that the killers were fished out and brought to book.

He reminded elected officials that they were elected to promote development and prosperity and not to always offer condolences to their constituents.

“I salute all of you leaders, I have had awesome experiences of Plateau in the past. Why is the past not a source of lesson for us now?

“You and I were elected on a promise of peace and prosperity not to comfort the bereaved or create widows and orphans. We are to bring prosperity and inclusiveness to everyone and share hope and aspirations to our youths.

“I don’t want to be here commiserating and consoling, I want to be here to establish peace.