Rukuba Killings: Gov Lalong begs Ondo people, govt for forgiveness

The Plateau governor said the perpetrators acted on their own and did not represent any religious, ethnic or social interests.

News Agency of Nigeria • August 22, 2021

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau has begged the government and people of Ondo for forgiveness over the August 14 killing of 23 Muslim travellers from Ondo, who were passing through Jos after attending a religious event in Bauchi.

The apology is contained in a statement by the governor’s press and public affairs director, Makut Macham, on Saturday in Jos.

Mr Lalong sent a delegation led by his deputy, Sonny Tyoden, and accompanied by Mohammed Haruna, emir of Wase, a town and local government area in Plateau; the Yoruba community leader in Plateau, Jide Olagbemiro; and Plateau chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association in Nigeria (MACBAN), Nura Mohammad, among others.

The delegation went to console and deliver over 30 of the survivors of the attack, rescued by the security agencies, to the Ondo state government and their families.

Pleading for forgiveness, Mr Lalong said the perpetrators acted on their own as they did not represent any religious, ethnic or social interest in the attack. He assured that the culprits involved will be brought to book as many arrests have been made.

Receiving the Plateau delegation, the Ondo state deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said on receiving the news of the attack, the governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, immediately went to the cattle market to sympathise with the leadership of the Fulani.

Mr Aiyedatiwa said the Akeredolu administration was concerned about the welfare of all citizens irrespective of their backgrounds, and appreciates Mr Lalong for sending a high level delegation to accompany the people of Ondo back home.

Mr Akeredolu thanked Mr Lalong for his quick intervention and other proactive measures taken to prevent the situation from escalating.

The leader of the Fulani ethnic group in the South West, Kabiru Mohammed, assured that they have forgiven all in the interest of peace and stability of Nigeria.

He promised that there would be no reprisals as they were happy to see their brothers back in their midst. According to him, Nigeria is greater than any individual or interest groups.