Map of Plateau State used in illustrating the story.
By YUSUFU IDEGU, Jos-
A Jos based security group known as Plateau Our Heritage (POH) has drew the attention of Plateau State Government to an alleged influx of suspects, feared to be runaway bandits from North East in the state.
It alleged that the visitors are building up camps at the forest of Pandam Games Reserve in Qua’ anpan Local Government of the state.
The group raised the alarm in a statement signed by its chairman, Alex Kwapnoe and Secretary, Friday Bako on Thursday in Jos.
The group said it is more worried to learnt that the State Governor has already handed over the games reserve to the Federal Government which gave criminals the encouragement to make the forest their home.
They further alleged that innocent residents at the southern Plateau are already experiencing incessant kidnapping, armed robbery and rape since the arrival of the visitors to the forest.
“While we commended the government of Plateau State for approving the purchase of patrol vehicles for security agencies in the state, we advised that focus should be at the games reserve and environs”.
“There have been suspected attempts on schools in the state that have threatened smooth academic activities with about 15 students of the Solomon Lar University, Bokkos rescued recently. As if that was not enough, two students of the Calvary International Ministry, Popularly known as CAPRO in neighbouring Bokkos; Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, where reportedly abducted by unknown gunmen”.
“Only recently, the POH had joined other well meaning citizens to condemn the influx of strange herders into the Pandam Game Reserve and the group is worried that the administration is showing signs that it can’t manage the situation of the reserve and is ready to let go of part of our proud heritage to the FG, with fervent call for federalism currently trending, it gives us very serious cause for concern”.
“We believe the state government has the capacity to manage this reserve considering its potentials if it uses its tax avenues properly and not to “dash” the reserve to the federal government who would be at liberty to decide what goes on there. As it is that large and blessed expanse of land is being inhabited by strang persons, said to be looting, raping and kidnapping the locals”.
“The POH is further disturbed that if truly a state of tourism like Plateau can begin to surrender such great tourism structures because it is “overwhelmed ” with the seeming atrocities of suspected marauding bandits, then urgent steps must be taken to address this issue in order to reassure the people that it is on course.
“Consequently, POH calls on the Government to mobilize state’s security outfit to support the Police pending the restructuring of the country”. The statement added.