Dr. Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North Central, has visited Mper Community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, following the recent attack that claimed the lives of more than 27 people.
Dr. Essiet was part of the entourage of the Plateau State Governor during the condolence and assessment visit to the affected communities.
The visit commenced at the 8 Division of Operation Enduring Peace in Mangu, where the delegation held an extensive meeting with security personnel on the security situation in the area and ongoing efforts to restore peace and protect vulnerable communities.
The entourage thereafter proceeded to the Mishkagam Mwagavul Palace, where the Plateau State Governor and Dr. Essiet expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and condoled with the people of Mangu and Plateau State at large.
The Governor assured the people that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had given him the full support and authority to take all necessary measures within the law to bring an end to the security challenges confronting the state.
Receiving the delegation, the Mishkagam Mwagavul, HRH Da John Putmwang, described the attack as a deliberate and well-orchestrated massacre against his people. He questioned why people who had been accommodated and accepted as members of the community would turn against their hosts.
The traditional ruler emphasized that the Mwagavul people are peace-loving and have no interest in attacking anyone without provocation. He appreciated President Tinubu and the Plateau State Governor for their response, as well as Dr. Essiet for conveying the Federal Government’s message of solidarity and support.
HRH Da John Putmwang expressed confidence in God’s faithfulness, assuring his people that they would not be abandoned. He also appealed to the youths to remain calm, exercise restraint and resist the temptation to take the law into their own hands.
The final stop of the delegation was Bin Mper in Kombun District of Mangu LGA, one of the communities directly affected by the attack.
The scene was deeply emotional, with visible sorrow, pain and grief among residents. The devastation left by the attack moved both members of the community and visitors to tears.
The delegation offered words of encouragement and solidarity to the bereaved community, while residents expressed appreciation for the visit and the assurance that they were not alone in the face of the tragedy.
The visit underscored the commitment of the Federal and Plateau State Governments to strengthening security, supporting affected communities and working towards lasting peace in Mangu and across Plateau State.