By; BUHARI B BELL, Jos.
Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong has appealed to youths and citizens of Bokkos Local Government to remain calm as government and security agencies have started digging into the remote causes of the killing of paramount ruler late Lazarus Agai, the Saf Ron Kulere.
The killing of the monarch, who was the Chairman Traditional Council of Bokkos LGA on his way from farm has sparked off violent protest by youths of the LGA who vowed to revenge the death of their monarch even though the killer is unknown.
The protesting youths mounted road blocks at the entrance to Bokkos preventing motorists from going and coming out of the council thereby renewing hostility in the state.
Security agencies were not allowed access to the community as revenge was mated out on the surrounding communities.
Governor Lalong who summoned an emergency security council meeting in government house over the assassination also appealed to the protesting youths not to extend their anger on innocent citizens and travelers.
A statement issued and signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr. Emmanuel Nanle in Jos stated that Governor Lalong said, “The best honour that the angry youths can give their departed traditional father is to remain calm and assist security agencies with relevant information to unravel the fact behind the killing”.
“The executive governor of Plateau State received with heavy heart the news of the despicable and cowardly murder of His Royal Highness, Saf Ron Kulere, Lazarus Agai who was attacked alongside some of his aides by unknown assailants on the 18th July, 2016.
“Following this sad and unfortunate incident, the Security Agencies swung into action to unraveled the identity of those responsible for this heinous act, while also ensuring the maintenance of law and order.
“The Plateau State Government is indeed pained by the unfortunate wave of the killing of traditional rulers in Bokkos Local government Council and wishes to assure all citizens that it remains resolute in its effort and determination to work together with all peace loving citizens of the State, to secure and sustain the peace on the Plateau.
“Be rest assured that Government is on top of the situation and is avowed on fishing out all enemies of the peace that has returned to the State. Meanwhile, the Government is appealing to all citizens and particularly residents of Bokkos Local Government to remain calm and not to engage in any act that is capable of aggravating the situation, but should rather volunteer all necessary information that will aid investigation to security operatives.
“The Executive Governor in this moment of deep grief, conveys the condolences and assurances of prayers for God’s comfort to the family of the deceased, the people of Bokkos and the entire people of Plateau State over this tragic loss”.
