Plateau attack: Apostle Selman donates N200m in cash, food to victims

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has called for collective responsibility in preserving peace and unity in the state.

The governor made the call on Wednesday while receiving the founder and senior pastor of Eternity Network International, also known as Koinonia Global, Apostle Joshua Selman, during a courtesy visit to the Government House, Jos, following recent attacks in parts of the state.

During the visit, Selman donated relief materials and cash worth over N200 million to support victims of the recent attacks.

Mutfwang, who expressed appreciation for the visit, said the presence of the cleric and his team was “a strong show of solidarity with the government and people of Plateau in a time of grief.”

He thanked God for the life and impact of Apostle Selman, describing him as “a prophet with honour in his hometown,” whose influence has positively touched many lives.

The governor also acknowledged other members of the delegation, including a former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, John Kennedy and Mr Bestman Wadia, commending their contributions and connection to Plateau State.

While lamenting the recent attacks, Mutfwang said the government had extended support not only to affected Christian communities but also to some Muslim families impacted by the violence, stressing the need for unity and humanity beyond religious lines.

“We deliberately reached out to affected Muslim families as a demonstration of our love for humanity. Plateau belongs to all of us,” he said.

He also appreciated the outpouring of support and condolences from across the country and beyond, including from President Bola Tinubu, noting that such solidarity has strengthened the resolve of the people.

The governor, however, assured that efforts were ongoing to prevent a recurrence of such attacks, while urging citizens to remain hopeful.

“If it had not been the Lord, what the devil intended would have been worse. While we mourn, we must also be grateful for what God has prevented,” he said.

Mutfwang further called on Plateau indigenes, both at home and in the diaspora, to contribute to the development and preservation of the state.

“No matter what we become outside, if home is not strong, we remain vulnerable. The preservation of Plateau is a collective responsibility,” he added, describing Plateau as “a divine project that must be protected by all.”

Earlier, Apostle Selman, who was accompanied by the said, the visit was to identify with the state and commiserate with families affected by the recent violence.

He described Plateau as “a land of great potential, rich culture and resilient people,” but lamented the spate of violence that has plagued the state over the years.

“We came not just as ministers of the gospel, but as sons of the soil, to stand with the people in this difficult time and to encourage hope,” he said.

The cleric urged the state government not to be discouraged despite the challenges, assuring that their efforts would eventually yield positive results.

“Someday, we will look back and appreciate the courage and resilience of the leadership for not giving up,” he said.

As part of his intervention, Selman announced the donation of relief materials, including a truckload of about 3,000 bags of rice and other essential items valued at over N100 million.

He said the items would be distributed across affected communities in collaboration with the state government and the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN.

In addition, he disclosed a financial support package of about N100 million to assist victims and affected families.

“These palliatives may not bring back the dead, but they can bring comfort to grieving families and demonstrate love and responsibility,” he said.

Selman emphasised the need for collective effort in addressing the crisis, noting that while no single group can solve the problem alone, everyone has a role to play.

“It would be unfair to do nothing. We must all contribute in our own way to bring relief and restore hope,” he added.