Jos, Nigeria – Former Plateau State Governor and ex-Senator, Jonah Jang, has broken his silence on the escalating bloodshed in the state, saying what’s unfolding is far more than “communal clashes” — it’s a deliberate and sinister agenda carried out by a known group.
In a heartfelt statement released Tuesday in Jos, Jang condemned the recent spate of attacks that left over 100 people dead in just one week, describing the violence as not only painful but premeditated.
“Let’s call a spade a spade,” Jang said. “These senseless killings have brought immense suffering to Plateau people. We must act urgently — this isn’t normal.”
While commending Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his efforts to address the crisis and acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s promise to end the killings, Jang expressed concern over the federal government’s handling of the situation.
He criticized a presidential directive that allegedly framed the violence as “communal,” arguing that such a label minimizes the true scale and intention behind the attacks.
“These are not random disputes over farmland or boundaries,” Jang insisted. “This is violence driven by a group with a clear, dangerous mission. Mislabeling it as communal only fuels more bloodshed.”
Jang urged President Tinubu to convene an expanded national security dialogue — bringing together traditional leaders, religious figures, local authorities, and grassroots voices — to confront the realities on the ground.
“If the President really wants to end this, he needs to hear directly from the people who are affected — the ones who’ve buried loved ones, fled their homes, and lived through the horror,” he added.
Beyond government action, Jang called on Plateau citizens to stay united and vigilant. He encouraged communities to defend themselves responsibly, remain resilient, and never lose sight of justice.
“We are peace-loving, hospitable people — but we’ve been pushed to the edge,” he said. “It’s time to rise, to protect our land, and to speak with one voice.”
