By Marie-Therese Nanlong

Jos — Elders in Plateau State under the aegis of Coalition of Plateau Patriots have expressed concern over the increasing humanitarian crisis in the state as the result of the recent “attacks by suspected armed herdsmen” and called government at all levels to address the situation.

The Patriots at a briefing, yesterday, in Jos, reminded the citizens on the need to stay united and defend the state, which is a collective heritage of all ethnic groups in the state.

In a statement, an elder statesman, Chief Slyvanus Lot, condemned the recent happenings in the state, including the pelting of Governor Simon Lalong’s convoy at Anguldi, Jos South Local Government Area and called on all to remain “our brother’s keepers at all times.”

According the the text, “we address you today with heavy and solemn hearts, following the spate of attacks by suspected armed herdsmen and other criminal elements leading to the deaths of many and maiming of innocent people.

“ The destruction and displacements of several villages in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Mangu, Riyom and Jos South local government areas of the state have left huge humanitarian crisis, the consequence of these heinous acts is the emergence of Internally Displaced Persons camps where several of our able, hardworking and patriotic people are made to stay.

“We condemn in totality these barbaric acts of the killings of our people by these so-called herdsmen and other militia groups. We add our voices by calling on government at all levels to step up actions in curbing and arresting and prosecuting the perpetrators of these ungodly acts that are fast becoming a norm.

“We consider the series of attacks as an attack on the entire people of Plateau and not only an attack on the Berom nation. These crises predate Governor Lalong. Unless we are united, it will continue and we all shall pay the price. Plateau State is a collective heritage, no ethnic group can survive in this state alone, we must be united. “