Prominent businessman and community leader, Chief Wungak Ropshik Kefas, has strongly condemned the recent wave of killings in Plateau state.
Specifically, Chief Kefas described the situation as “heartbreaking and intolerable.”
He then, expressed deep concern over the rising insecurity in the region and called on both federal and state governments to take urgent and decisive actions to restore peace and stability.
In a statement issued on Monday, Chief Kefas decried the loss of innocent lives in the attacks, which have left several communities devastated and families displaced.
“What is happening in Plateau State is a tragedy that must not continue. The blood of our people is being spilled needlessly, and this is unacceptable in any civilized society,” he stated.
Kefas, Chief Executive Officer of Kefiano Autos, Kefas, who was a gubernatorial aspirant and came second in the last PDP primary election in Plateau state, emphasised the urgent need to empower local vigilante groups as a strategic response to the growing insecurity—particularly in rural communities where government security forces are often overstretched.
He maintained that with proper training, funding, and coordination with formal security agencies, vigilantes could play a critical role in intelligence gathering and rapid community response.
He also condemned the recent massacre in Bassa Local Government Area (LGA), where over 50 innocent people were reportedly killed, describing it as “a horrific act of inhumanity that must not go unpunished.”
He called on security agencies and the government to immediately launch a thorough investigation into the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The killing of over 50 innocent people in Bassa is a national tragedy. These lives matter. This massacre must be investigated to the fullest extent, and justice must be served,” he emphasised.
Chief Kefas further urged the Plateau state government to act fast and decisively, citing the examples of Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina states, where similar attacks have been repelled by well-organised and armed vigilante groups.
He said Plateau must learn from these states and immediately begin building and equipping local defense structures that can respond swiftly to threats.
“We have seen how armed vigilantes in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina have defended their people and repelled attacks that would have resulted in mass casualties. Plateau State must not fold its hands. The government must rise to the occasion and take bold steps to defend its citizens,” Ropshik said.
Quoting from the Bible, he referenced Luke 22:36, where Jesus told His disciples: “But now, if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.”
He clarified that this was not a call for violence, but a divine principle supporting preparedness and self-defense in the face of danger.
“Our communities must be equipped to protect themselves when the need arises. We are not advocating lawlessness, but we must be realistic. The government cannot be everywhere at once, and our people deserve the right to live in safety,” he added.
Kefas also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society organizations to work together in fostering peace, tolerance, and reconciliation among diverse ethnic and religious groups in Plateau State.
He concluded by reiterating his demand for swift government action and justice for all affected communities, insisting that accountability is the only path to sustainable peace.
The call by Chief Kefas has been welcomed by several community stakeholders, who commended his proactive stance and unwavering commitment to the safety and security of Plateau citizens.