Lalong vows to deal with those who took over lands of displaced persons in Plateau

Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong on Monday vowed that his administration will deal with land grabbers who claim the lands of those who temporarily relocated from their ancestral lands due to insecurity.

Lalong also reiterated that his administration is determined to return all displaced persons in the State back to their ancestral abode.

He gave the assurance on Monday during the occasion of the commemoration of “forgiveness day” at the peace and forgiveness garden, Jos the State capital.

He said, “it is in a bid to mitigate this situation that we set aside this day as a symbolic effort of using forgiveness which is a very powerful tool in pulling down the walls of differences that we may have against one another.”

The Governor explained, “while these processes are ongoing, I have also directed the Plateau Peace Building Agency to design and implement a project that will help foster social cohesion and ensure the reintegration of our segregated communities in the State.

“They are expected to identify and map all conflict areas and especially communities that have been sacked due to attacks. Our administration remains committed to ensuring that displaced people return to their ancestral homes.

“That is why we signed into law the Anti-Land Grabbing Law to ensure that nobody claims the land of those who temporarily relocated from their ancestral lands due to insecurity. While we work to provide security for their safe return, I call on all citizens to take advantage of the Law to report anyone who seeks to claim their land.

“Government will deal with such persons according to provisions of the law as they are the enemies of peace and the State”, Lalong stated.

The event which was tagged ” forgiving the past and reconcile the future” Director General, Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), Joseph Lengmang said Plateau witnessed ugly occurrences as a result of ethno-religious conflict.

He said this year’s 2022 peace, reconciliation and forgiveness is to set aside all growgies and forgive one another for the benefit of present and future generation.

He applauded Plateau State Government, interfaith bodies and other stakeholders for partnering with the agency in peace building process.