Plateau State declares a 1-week mourning period following recent attacks
The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has announced a one-week mourning period in response to the recent series of attacks in the North-Central region.
The attacks, which occurred over the past two weeks, resulted in the tragic loss of approximately 200 lives, with numerous individuals sustaining injuries.
During a New Year broadcast, Governor Mutfwang declared the mourning period to pay tribute to the departed souls. The mourning is set to take place from January 1st to January 8th, 2024, during which flags will be flown at half-mast.
The governor called upon the residents to utilize this time for fervent prayers, seeking divine intervention against the malevolent forces threatening the region.
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Governor Mutfwang appealed to religious leaders, urging Muslim clerics to dedicate Friday, January 5th, 2024, and Christian clergy to designate Sunday, January 7th, 2024, as special prayer days for enduring peace on the Plateau.
Additionally, January 8th, 2024, was declared the official state day of mourning.
The recent wave of attacks has prompted widespread condemnation, leading President Bola Tinubu to call for a thorough investigation into the incidents. Vice President Kashim Shettima also visited the affected communities in a show of solidarity.
The North-West and central regions of Nigeria have long been plagued by bandit militias operating from forest bases, engaging in looting and kidnapping for ransom.
The competition for natural resources, exacerbated by the conflict between nomadic herders and farmers, further intensified by population growth and climate pressures, has fueled social tensions, leading to a cycle of violence.
The situation calls for urgent attention and concerted efforts to address the root causes of the conflicts and restore lasting peace to the troubled areas.
As a mark of honour for the memory of the deceased, I wish to declare a week of mourning from January 1st, to January 8th, 2024. During this period of mourning, flags will fly at half-mast. I urge all citizens to use these days for intense prayers to seek the intervention of the… pic.twitter.com/n3zCAfPnNS
— Caleb Mutfwang (@CalebMutfwang) January 2, 2024