By Nkechi Eze
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, on Saturday paid a solemn visit to victims of the recent attack in Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, currently receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
Yilwatda, who was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Martina Yilwatda, visited the victims to express solidarity with them and their families following the violent incident that claimed several lives and left many others injured.
During the visit, the APC national chairman described the attack as barbaric, painful and unacceptable, stressing that the continued killing of innocent citizens in the state must come to an end.
“The attack is a direct assault on our common humanity. The time has come for all stakeholders to move beyond routine condemnation and work deliberately and collectively to prevent any recurrence of such senseless violence,” he said.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Mr. Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda said the pain of the victims and their families is a burden that must be shared by all people of conscience, noting that no society can make meaningful progress when citizens live in fear and uncertainty.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to restoring peace and strengthening security operations across the country, including Plateau State.
According to him, the administration remains determined to ensure that the lives and property of Nigerians are protected and that criminal violence threatening communities will not be allowed to continue.
Yilwatda assured the victims and their families that the Federal Government is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that every Nigerian life is valued, protected and defended against criminality, violence and terror.
He stressed that the tragedy in Angwan Rukuba should serve as a wake-up call for leaders, communities, security institutions and political actors to unite in confronting the forces of violence threatening the peace of Plateau and other parts of the country.
As part of efforts to support those affected, the APC national chairman announced a donation of N15 million to assist victims of the Angwan Rukuba attack as well as other vulnerable patients undergoing treatment at the hospital.
He explained that the financial support was meant to ease the burden of medical expenses and provide relief to victims grappling with physical injuries, emotional trauma and financial hardship resulting from the attack.
Yilwatda also commiserated with families who lost their loved ones in the incident, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased and strength for their families to bear the painful loss.
He commended the management and medical personnel of the Jos University Teaching Hospital for their prompt response and professionalism in treating the victims and saving lives under challenging circumstances.
The APC national chairman also paid a condolence visit to the paramount ruler of Jos North Local Government Area, the Ujah Anaguta, to sympathise with the traditional institution over the attack on residents of Angwan Rukuba within his domain.
Yilwatda stressed that the tragedy in Plateau must not be normalised, politicised or reduced to another passing news cycle, urging renewed urgency in tackling the crisis.
He called for coordinated security action, stronger intelligence gathering, deeper community engagement and sustained intervention to protect communities across the state.
The APC national chairman further appealed to political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to close ranks and reject hatred, division and violence capable of undermining the peace and unity of Plateau State.
According to him, Plateau, known for its rich diversity and history, must not be allowed to descend into repeated cycles of bloodshed, grief and instability.
He maintained that the APC, the Federal Government and all responsible stakeholders remain united in their resolve to ensure that such horrific incidents do not recur and that peace, security and stability are fully restored in the state.
