A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress APC, Saleh Zazzaga, has described the recent wave of killings in Plateau State as politically motivated.
The violence, which claimed over 20 lives during a Palm Sunday attack in Gariya Waye, Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area, has raised fresh concerns about security in the state.
In a statement, Zazzaga alleged that the attacks were aimed at undermining the re election bid of Bola Tinubu and discrediting Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwang.
“The ongoing attacks and killings in Plateau State are politically motivated. Those behind these killings are opposition politicians who want to derail Mr President’s re election in the 2027 elections. These are also people who want to discredit Governor Caleb Muftwang, knowing fully well that they can’t stop his re election.
“They know that with Governor Muftwang having defected to the APC, the chances are high that Mr President will get 100 percent of the votes from Plateau State, so they have decided to sponsor violence to prevent that from happening,” he said.
Zazzaga also linked the insecurity in Plateau and Benue State to a broader plan to weaken political support for the President in the North Central region.
He noted that the region, now with multiple APC governors, has become a key political stronghold, making it a target for opposition forces.
“The native population in Plateau and the people of Benue are being targeted as part of a grand plot to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s government,” he added.
The APC chieftain further warned religious leaders against making statements that could inflame tensions and urged security agencies to investigate any individuals whose actions or rhetoric may contribute to violence.
He also called for stronger and more proactive measures to address insecurity across affected states, stressing that political dimensions should not be ignored in tackling the crisis.
Zazzaga commended President Tinubu for visiting Jos following the attacks, describing the move as a demonstration of leadership and empathy.
“Suspending other crucial matters of state to visit Jos to show solidarity with the victims shows Mr President cares about Nigerians. He feels the pain of the people and I am glad that he has given the security agencies marching orders to apprehend the perpetrators,” he said.
