Plateau Crisis: Over 100 Persons Displaced as police investigate PDP’s fire outbreak

The chairman of Mangu local government area of Plateau state , Caleb Mutfwang  has said over 100  persons have been displaced following the crisis that engulfed some villages in the LGA some days ago, although adding that a specific figure cannot be given yet.

He stated this on Saturday while addressing newsmen at the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ) secretariat in Jos.
According to him “Just while we were rejoicing over the peaceful yuletide celebration in Plateau State, the enemies struck, and some part of Mangu district precisely Maitumbi, Jwak-Maitumbi, Kyampus, Mai Rana, Sarbot, Kantoma villages and their immediate environs were engulfed in crisis.

“In a swift effort to restore normalcy, the LGA has organised an enlarged security meeting at the council chambers with Major stakeholders in attendance. This is to strengthen security surveillance, especially in the areas affected by the crisis in order to encourage the people to return to stay back in their ancestral homes.”

He said, “Displaced persons, especially those who fled their homes for fear of being attacked should be encouraged to go back to their homes while the LGA would liaise with appropriate state and federal government to explore the possibility of ameliorating the suffering of those whose residences were destroyed.

“We have also called on leaders in all communities in the area to adopt proper information management strategies to guard against unnecessary rumour mongering. Our people should be encouraged not to hide or harbour criminals because of religious or ethnic affiliations and visitors in any community must be identified by the community leadership.”

According to him, the stakeholders in the affected communities have  led a high-powered delegation to condole with the bereaved families in affected villages and also visited some camps of displaced persons while making efforts to aid their feeding and welfare.

Matfwang also said two persons have been arrested in connection to the violence in the LGA and investigation is ongoing.

Meanwhile, the Police in Plateau State have begun an investigation to unearth the circumstances surrounding the fire outbreak at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Secretariat in Kanke Local Government Area of the state.
Indications to this effect emerged at the weekend when the party’s governorship running mate in the state, Mr. Yilji Gomwalk, who hails from the LGA led other party chieftains and top government officials, including the Divisional Police Officer(DPO) in charge of  the LGA to inspect the burnt party secretariat.

It was gathered that the party secretariat was gutted by fire on New Year day without anything salvaged from the building which was completely razed down. Although, the cause of the fire was not known, sources at the party said they were not ruling out sabotage given the ‘mysterious manner’ the fire incident occurred.

However, Gomwalk, who described the incident as unfortunate and regrettable, urged party supporters not to despair as security agents have commenced investigation into the matter.

While reiterating the resolve of the party towards winning the 2015 governorship and other elective positions, Gomwalk maintained that the people hold the key to actualising the dream and therefore emphasised the need for them to unite and work towards the success of the party during the general elections.