Victor EzejaNorthern Nigeria Senators and Plateau State Governor, Caleb Muftwang, have condemned the horrendous attacks on Plateau communities on Christmas Eve that left hundreds of people dead.
Prime Business Africa reports that suspected bandits unleashed heavy attacks on about 15 communities of Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of the state.
According to the Plateau State Police Command, 96 persons were killed while 221 houses were set ablaze during the Christmas Eve attacks.
However, the state governor, Caleb Mutfwang, who appeared on Channels Television Sunrise Daily on Tuesday morning said the death toll has risen to 115.
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The governor who wore a grieving look due to the attack said the incident was unprovoked as the residents were preoccupied with preparations for Christmas when it occurred. He called on security agencies to fish out the perpetrators and their sponsors.
“As I am talking to you, in Mangu Local Government alone, we buried 15 people. As of this morning, in Bokkos, we are counting over 100 corpses. Not to talk of that of Barkin-Ladi,” the governor stated.
Videos circulating on social media showed corpses of the victims being buried in mass graves.
Governor Mutfwang, who described the attacks as “unprecedented and monumental,” pointed out that there was no connection between the assaults and the land conflicts between the invading terrorists and the indigenous residents. He cautioned that it could get to a point when the attacked people could resort to defending themselves and also protect their homelands from the attackers.
Northern Senators Seek Prosecution of Culprits
Northern Senators Forum, which is composed of senators from the 19 northern states, has urged the federal government to find, detain, and punish the perpetrators of the killings in Plateau State.
The Northern Senators in a statement signed by the forum spokesperson, Senator Kawu Sumaila, commiserated with the affected families and the Government of the state.
“It is with profound sorrow and a weighty heart that, as a forum, we address you on the recent tragic incident of mass killing in Plateau State.
“This brutal act is indefensible, devoid of reason, and stains our shared humanity,” the statement said.
“Their immense loss is a collective grief, and we stand united in our determination to seek justice,” the lawmakers added.
They called on the appropriate authorities to launch a full-scale investigation into the incident, adding that a collective effort is needed to end the recurring carnage.
“In our legislative role, we strongly condemn this reprehensible act and call upon the authorities to promptly initiate a comprehensive investigation.
“Allocating necessary resources to swiftly identify and apprehend the perpetrators is paramount. They must face the full force of the law, ensuring justice prevails.
“The Northern senators noted that a collective effort will foster resilience to overcome “this dark chapter in our history.”
They called on all in the area to embrace peace, unity, and tolerance for one another.
The senators concluded by calling for support for the affected families.
CAN Tasks Security Agencies on Proactiveness
Also, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) condemned the attacks, and condoled with the bereaved communities,
In a statement released on Tuesday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described the attacks as “a direct assault on our shared values of peace, unity, and mutual respect.”
While commending the “swift” intervention of security agencies, to restore peace and prevent further lawlessness in the affected communities, Okoh stressed the need for being proactive and intensifying intelligence gathering to forestall further attacks.
“We urge the security agencies to intensify their efforts in intelligence gathering and proactive interventions to pre-empt and forestall these types of dastardly acts in the future.
“Our people deserve to live in peace, and it is high time we moved from reactive to preventive measures,” Okoh stated.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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