Governor condemns murder of traditional ruler, vows to fish out perpatrators

Plateau Governor Simon Lalong, has condemned the killing, on Monday, of Mr Lazarus Agai, the Saf Ron-kulere and First Class traditional ruler of Bokkos in Plateau by unknown assailants.

The 76-year-old monarch, who reigned for 42 years, was attacked on his way to Bokkos after visiting his farm in Sha District of the chiefdom.

Also killed along with him were his police orderly, his wife, and his son.

Lalong, in a reaction in Jos on Tuesday, described the murder as "very gruesome, babaric and sad''.

"I received the news (of the killing) with a heavy heart. The cold blooded murder is despicable and cowardly", Lalong said in a statement signed by Mr Emmanuel Nanle, Director of Press Affairs.

He said that the people and government of Plateau were pained by the unfortunate wave of killing of traditional rulers in Bokkos Local government Council, and reiterated his determination to end the trend.

The governor said that government was in control of the situation and would fish out all enemies of the peace that had returned to the State.

Lalong appealed to the citizens, particularly residents of Bokkos Local Government, to remain calm and not engage in any act capable of aggravating the situation.

"We should rather volunteer all necessary information, that will aid investigation, to security operatives,'' he suggested.

The governor expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased, the people of Bokkos and the entire people of Plateau State over the loss.