Simon Lalong, Governor of Plateau State, has announced that traditional and religious leaders will be accountable for any form of violation of peace in their respective domains provided it fails to take necessary steps to maintain peace.

The Governor made this known at a strategic engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders and PIDAN developments on Wednesday, October 21, 2020, while addressing the the issue of the #EndSARS protest at the Government House in Jos.

Governor Lalong in his statement said, ‘From the crisis that this State and its people have witnessed in previous years, we have to do everything possible to ensure that those dark days do not return.’

He added that, ‘As traditional, community, and religious leaders, you have a great role to play.’

‘I am therefore directing you to take lawful measures to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order in your domain. The government shall hold you accountable for any breach of peace if you fail to take necessary steps to maintain peace.’

He further urged them by saying, ‘You should engage and sensitize your people to the fact that violence has no place in the new Plateau that we are nurturing.’

‘Rather than embarking on the destruction of lives and properties at the slightest provocation, there are legitimate avenues to ventilate grievances in a democracy.’

‘I also appeal to parents to talk to their children and advise them to calm down and embrace the path of dialogue and engagement while shunning violence.’

‘Those who have legitimate grievances should be advised to explore available channels including the courts to ventilate them.’