“Plateau Must Not Bleed Again”: APC Chairman Yilwatda Backs Tinubu’s Visit, Demands Urgent Security Overhaul

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has called for urgent, coordinated, and technology-driven measures to halt the recurring cycle of violence in Plateau State, declaring that the state must never again be plunged into bloodshed.
Yilwatda made the call while reacting to the recent visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Plateau State, where he commiserated with victims and families affected by the gruesome killings in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area.
The APC chairman described the President’s visit as a defining moment of compassionate leadership, noting that it demonstrated empathy, responsiveness, and a strong sense of national unity at a time when residents are grappling with grief and trauma.
During the visit, President Tinubu was received by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, alongside former governors, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and key stakeholders across the state. The gathering reflected a rare moment of collective concern and shared resolve to confront the worsening security situation.
Condemning the killings in strong terms, Yilwatda described the attacks as barbaric, senseless, and a direct assault on the peace and unity of Plateau State. He warned that the repeated loss of innocent lives must no longer be treated with routine outrage or temporary interventions.
According to him, the pattern of violence indicates that perpetrators are embedded within or around local communities, exploiting vulnerabilities to carry out attacks. He urged residents, community leaders, and stakeholders to take greater responsibility in identifying and reporting suspicious movements.
“The enemies of peace are not invisible. They live among us, and they must be exposed,” he said, stressing that silence, fear, and complicity have allowed criminal elements to thrive.
Call for Security Reforms and Technology Deployment
Yilwatda also challenged security agencies to urgently rethink their operational strategies, warning that conventional methods are no longer sufficient to combat evolving threats.
He advocated the adoption of modern security infrastructure, including artificial intelligence-powered surveillance systems, drones, advanced tracking technologies, and real-time intelligence platforms. According to him, a shift toward intelligence-led policing and proactive threat detection is critical to preventing further attacks.
“The protection of lives must go beyond boots on the ground. It must be driven by intelligence, precision, and innovation,” he stated.
Economic Consequences of Insecurity
The APC chairman further highlighted the economic toll of persistent violence on Plateau State, a region widely known for its tourism potential, agricultural productivity, and natural beauty.
He lamented that continued insecurity has undermined investor confidence, disrupted livelihoods, and stalled economic growth, warning that no meaningful development can occur in an atmosphere of fear.
“Plateau has everything it takes to thrive economically, but insecurity continues to hold it back. No investor will commit resources where lives are constantly under threat,” he said.
Yilwatda warned that the long-term impact could be devastating, particularly for young people who risk losing access to opportunities, stability, and a prosperous future.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
Emphasising the need for a united front, the APC chairman called for a whole-of-society approach to restoring peace in Plateau State. He urged collaboration among traditional institutions, religious bodies, political actors, women and youth groups, as well as security agencies.
He maintained that only sustained cooperation, honesty, and patriotism can break the cycle of violence and rebuild trust among communities.
Tinubu Meets Victims’ Families
As part of his visit, President Tinubu, accompanied by Yilwatda, Governor Mutfwang, and other leaders, paid a solemn visit to the families of victims affected by the Angwan Rukuba attack.
The visit, described as deeply emotional, saw the President offer condolences, reassurance, and solidarity to grieving families, reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the crisis.
The APC noted that the President’s presence was more than symbolic, signalling a renewed determination to tackle insecurity and ensure justice for victims.
Path to Lasting Peace
Looking ahead, the party expressed optimism that ongoing engagements between the Federal Government and key stakeholders in Plateau State would produce practical and lasting solutions aimed at restoring peace, justice, and reconciliation.
Reaffirming its stance, the APC declared that the lives of Plateau citizens are sacred and must be protected at all costs. It called for swift action to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible for the attacks.
“The blood of innocent Nigerians demands justice, and the nation must respond decisively,” the statement concluded.
APC Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda backs President Tinubu’s Plateau visit, calling for urgent security reforms, tech-driven surveillance, and collective action to end recurring killings in the state.