Moses Ofodeme
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, at the weekend paid solemn visit to victims of the recent dastardly attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, who are currently receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
Professor Yilwatda was accompanied on the visit by his wife, Dr. Martina Yilwatda, in a demonstration of compassion, solidarity, and shared commitment to the pain and plight of the victims, their families, and the people of Plateau State at this difficult moment.
The visit was not only a gesture of sympathy but also a clear reaffirmation of the resolve of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the lives and properties of Nigerians are protected and that the repeated shedding of innocent blood in Plateau State must come to an end.
Speaking during the visit, Professor Yilwatda described the attack as barbaric, painful, unacceptable, and a direct assault on our common humanity, stressing that 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.
In a statement signed by Mr Abimbola Tooki, Special Adviser to the National Chairman of APC, Media and Communications Strategy, Yilwatda said,m the pain of the victims and their families is a burden that must be shared by all men and women of conscience, adding that no society can make meaningful progress where innocent citizens continue to live in fear and uncertainty.
He stated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains deeply committed to restoring peace, strengthening security operations, and ensuring that all parts of the country, including Plateau State, enjoy the safety and stability necessary for development and peaceful coexistence.
Professor Yilwatda assured the victims and their families that the Federal Government is not leaving any stone unturned in its determination to ensure that every Nigerian life is valued, protected, and defended against criminality, violence, and terror.
He further emphasized that the tragedy in Angwan Rukuba must serve as a wake-up call to all leaders, communities, security institutions, and political actors to rise above division and work in unity to confront the forces of violence threatening the peace of Plateau and other parts of the country.
As a practical expression of support and compassion, the APC National Chairman announced a donation of Fifteen Million Naira (N15,000,000) to support the victims of the Angwan Rukuba attack as well as other vulnerable patients receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.
The donation, he noted, is intended to ease the immediate burden of medical care and provide some measure of relief to those going through physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial hardship as a result of the unfortunate incident.
Professor Yilwatda also used the occasion to commiserate with the families of those who lost their lives in the attack, praying for the peaceful repose of the departed and asking God to grant their loved ones the strength and courage to bear the painful and irreparable loss.
He expressed deep appreciation to the management and medical personnel of the Jos University Teaching Hospital for their prompt response, professionalism, and commitment in attending to the victims and saving lives under difficult circumstances.
The National Chairman also paid a condolence visit to the Paramount Ruler of Jos North Local Government Area, the Ujah Anaguta, over the unfortunate attack on residents of Anguwan Rukuba, a community within his domain.
The APC National Chairman reiterated that the tragedy in Plateau must not be normalized, politicized, or reduced to another passing news cycle.
Rather, he said, it must provoke renewed urgency, coordinated action, stronger intelligence gathering, deeper community engagement, and sustained security intervention to ensure that communities across the state are protected from further attacks.
He called on political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, civil society organizations, and community stakeholders to close ranks and reject every form of hatred, division, provocation, and violence capable of threatening the peace and unity of Plateau State.
Professor Yilwatda maintained that Plateau, with its rich diversity, history, and strategic importance, must not be allowed to descend into repeated circles of bloodshed, grief, and instability.
He affirmed that the APC, the Federal Government, and all responsible stakeholders are united in the resolve to ensure that there is no repeat of such horrific incidents and that every necessary step will continue to be taken to restore confidence, strengthen peace, and guarantee security for all residents of the state.
The visit by Professor Nentawe Yilwatda and Dr. Martina Yilwatda stands as a powerful reminder that in moments of pain and tragedy, leadership must not only speak, it must show up, stand with the people, and act with compassion and responsibility.
As Plateau mourns, the message from the APC National Chairman is clear and unequivocal:
the killing of innocent citizens must stop, the perpetrators must not prevail, and peace must return fully and permanently to Plateau State.