Following the go-ahead from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to bring peace to his jurisdiction by all means after a spate of killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen and terrorists, Plateau State’s Governor Caleb Mutfwang has announced a ban on night grazing.
In a state broadcast on Wednesday, the Governor, also, restricted the use of motorcycles across the state.
Additionally, Muftwang said communities must be actively involved in defending themselves within the confines of the law.
No fewer than 50 people were killed after gunmen invaded Kimakpa village, Miango district, in Bassa LGA of the state on April 14, in a spate of attacks coming barely two weeks after the attackers slew residents in five other communities in Bokkos and Mangu LGAs.
Tinubu lamented the killings and told Mutfwang to forge harmonious relationships between the warring parties.
Mutfwang also ordered the immediate restructuring of “Operation Rainbow” and the strengthening of vigilante groups in Plateau State.
All vigilante groups would be re-activated for night patrols in co-ordination with the security agencies.
In the state broadcast on Wednesday, Mutfwang described the attacks as “coordinated acts of terror” aimed at displacing residents and undermining their right to exist peacefully on their ancestral lands.
The Governor also prohibited the transportation of cattle by vehicles after 7pm.
He said the directives take immediate effect, with the restriction on motorcycle use in place from 7pm to 6am across the state until further notice.
“The tragic echoes of Dogo Na Hawa, Riyom, Barkin-Ladi, Mangu, and the Christmas Eve massacres in Bokkos remain vivid. The cycle continues, but it must not endure. Enough Is Enough,” the governor said.
“As your Governor, I stand resolved — Plateau shall not be overrun by fear, nor shall we accept this culture of bloodshed as the new normal.
“My administration is intensifying efforts to protect our people and enforce the rule of law across all local governments.
“I hereby announce the following measures, effective Wednesday, April 16: Night grazing of cattle is strictly prohibited; transportation of cattle by vehicle is banned after 7pm.
“The use of motorcycles is restricted from 7pm to 6am across the state until further notice.”
