•APC National Chairman hails President Tinubu’s compassionate visit, demands decisive action against killers

Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has commended the visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to Plateau State to commiserate with the government and people of the state over the recent horrific and senseless killings of innocent residents of Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area.

He described the President’s visit as "a profound demonstration of responsive leadership, empathy, and national solidarity at a time when the people of Plateau are grieving the painful and unjust loss of their loved ones to yet another round of barbaric violence."

Speaking during the visit, Yilwatda, condemned the killings in the strongest and most unequivocal terms. He described the attack as inhuman, cowardly, reprehensible, and a direct assault on the peace, unity, and soul of Plateau State.

According to Yilwatda, the continued shedding of innocent blood in Plateau is not only unacceptable but a national tragedy that must no longer be treated with routine outrage and temporary responses.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued Friday morning and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, the APC National Chairman stressed that "the time has come for deliberate, coordinated, and result-oriented efforts by all relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure that such dastardly and unconscionable acts never happen again in Plateau State or anywhere else in the country.'

He called on leaders of communities across Plateau State to become more vigilant, responsive, and proactive in identifying and reporting suspicious movements and security threats within their domains.

He noted that the recurring pattern of killings "strongly suggests that many of those behind these heinous acts are not ghosts or invisible invaders, but criminal elements and miscreants living within or around the communities, exploiting local vulnerabilities to unleash mayhem on innocent citizens."

In his words, "These evil perpetrators must no longer be shielded by silence, fear, complicity, or communal indifference. They must be identified, exposed, apprehended, and made to face the full wrath of the law."

Prof. Yilwatda further charged security agencies to urgently rethink and upgrade their security architecture and operational methods in tackling the persistent violence in Plateau State.

He emphasised that the security agencies cannot continue to deploy outdated tactics against increasingly adaptive and ruthless criminal networks and expect a different outcome.

The APC National Chairman therefore advocated the deployment of modern surveillance and intelligence-driven technology, including Artificial Intelligence-powered cameras, drones, advanced tracking systems, and real-time intelligence gathering mechanisms, to detect, monitor, and neutralize criminal elements before they strike.

He said that the era demands smarter, faster, and more sophisticated security responses, adding that the protection of lives and property must now be driven not only by manpower, but also by technology, intelligence, precision, and accountability.

Prof. Yilwatda stated clearly that "Plateau cannot continue to mourn in cycles, while the enemies of peace roam freely and repeatedly unleash terror on innocent citizens."

He also drew attention to the grave economic implications of insecurity in Plateau, lamenting that "the state, which is richly blessed with breathtaking natural landscapes, vibrant tourism assets, and enormous economic potential, has continued to suffer avoidable setbacks due to persistent violence."

Yilwatda noted that Plateau State has long been celebrated as a peaceful and attractive destination with some of Nigeria’s most vibrant tourism centres, cultural attractions, and agricultural potential, "but all of these opportunities remain vulnerable and stunted in the face of recurring attacks."

According to him, no economy can thrive where fear reigns, no investment can flourish where blood is spilled, and no society can truly prosper where innocent citizens live under the shadow of insecurity.

He warned that without adequate protection of lives and communities, the social and economic future of the state could be severely paralysed, thereby depriving the people, especially young people, of prosperity, stability, and hope.

Prof. Yilwatda therefore called for a whole-of-society approach to ending the violence in Plateau, urging traditional institutions, religious leaders, political actors, youth groups, women’s groups, security operatives, and community stakeholders to work together in honesty and patriotism to restore peace and stability.

During the visit, other leaders from across Plateau State also spoke passionately on the disturbing security situation in the state and the urgent need for decisive and sustained intervention to halt the bloodshed and restore confidence among the people.

As part of the visit, President Tinubu, accompanied by Prof. Yilwatda, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, former leaders, traditional and other key stakeholders, paid a solemn and deeply emotional visit to the families of the affected victims of the Angwan Rukuba attack.

The visit to the bereaved families was a moving moment of compassion and national mourning, as the President shared in their pain and offered words of comfort, reassurance, and solidarity in the face of unimaginable loss.

"The APC," Prof. Yiltwadta said in Friday's statement, "notes that this visit by President Tinubu is not merely symbolic; it is a powerful signal that the Federal Government stands firmly with the people of Plateau State and remains committed to confronting the menace of violent attacks with renewed urgency and seriousness.

"It is expected that the President will, in the days ahead, continue broader engagements with leaders of Plateau communities and critical stakeholders toward evolving practical, inclusive, and lasting solutions that will guarantee sustainable peace, justice, reconciliation, and security for the people of the state.

"The APC reiterates that the lives of Plateau citizens are sacred and non-negotiable, and that those who delight in sowing death, fear, and division among peaceful communities must be hunted down and brought to justice without delay.

"The blood of innocent men, women, and children cries out for justice, and the nation must answer with resolve.

"Plateau deserves peace.

"Plateau deserves healing.

"Plateau deserves protection.

"And above all, Plateau must never be allowed to bleed like this again."

•PHOTO: APC National Chairman, Prof. Yilwatda, and President Tinubu discussing during the President's visit to Plateau attack victims on Friday