Former Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang has alleged that recent killings in Jos are being exploited by some actors to undermine the next elections, raising concerns during an interactive session with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Jang made the remarks on Thursday while addressing the President during his visit to Plateau State following a fresh wave of violent attacks that claimed over 30 lives and left several communities in distress.
Speaking candidly, the former governor said the pattern of violence in the state is not new, noting that successive administrations have grappled with similar crises over the years.
“Your Excellency, these killings have been here for a long time. I went through it, Dariye went through it, Lalong went through it,” Jang said, referencing former governors of the state, including Joshua Dariye and Simon Lalong.
He further warned of what he described as a deliberate attempt by certain individuals or groups to politicize the violence ahead of future elections.
“Mr. President, I can authoritatively tell you that some people want to use this killing to sabotage next elections, but we won’t allow them,” he added.
Jang’s comments underscore growing concerns among political leaders and stakeholders that the recurring violence in Plateau State may be tied to broader political interests, particularly as the country gradually approaches another electoral cycle.
The recent attacks, which left more than 30 people dead and several homes destroyed, have intensified calls for urgent and decisive action to address the root causes of the crisis, including longstanding ethnic, religious, and land-related tensions in the region.
President Tinubu, who visited the state to commiserate with victims and assess the situation, has assured residents of the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring peace and bringing perpetrators to justice. He also directed security agencies to strengthen operations in affected areas to prevent further bloodshed.
Community leaders and residents have continued to demand increased security presence, justice for victims, and sustainable measures to end the cycle of violence that has plagued Plateau State for decades.