President Bola Tinubu Addressing the Affected families of the Plateau State killings.
President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned the ongoing massacre of people in 15 communities of Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas of Plateau state. Plateau killings
Speaking to the Newsmen today, the president expressed his sympathy with residents of the Communities over the tragic “loss of many lives” due to the attacks and said he had mobilised “relief resources for the surviving families of the victims”. Plateau killings
“I strongly condemn the heinous and brutal attacks in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State, which have tragically resulted in the loss of many lives,” he said.
“Furthermore, I have ordered the immediate mobilisation of relief resources for the surviving victims of these primitive and cruel attacks, as well as ensuring medical treatment is provided for the wounded.”
Also showing the readiness of his security agencies, he ensured that he had already directed security operatives to move in and arrest the situation as soon as possible.
“I have directed our security agencies to immediately move in, scour every part of the zone, and apprehend the culprits responsible for these atrocities.
“While condoling with the government and the people of Plateau State, I assure all Nigerians that the envoys of death, pain, and sorrow responsible for these acts will not escape justice.”
Christmas Eve, 24 December Was a nightmare for Many Homes in Plateau State. Plateau killings
A few days ago, on 24 December 2023, a group of armed men invaded villages in Bokkos and Barking-Ladi local government areas and slaughtered dozens of its residents in a pool of blood, burning over 120 houses to ashes.
The attack was described as a ‘carnage’ against people of the affected communities, as families and their children had to flee their homes for safety.
According to the state police command’s spokesman, Alfred Alabo, on 24 December 2023, at about 10:45 pm, three villages were attached and ‘arsoned’ in Barkin-Ladi local government areas of Darawat, NTV, and Hurum. Plateau killings
“On December 24, 2023, at 2200hrs, the following 12 villages in Bokkos LGA were attacked; Ndun, Ngyong, Murfet, Makundary, Tamiso, Chiang, Tahore, Gawarba, Dares, Meyenga, Darwat and Butura Kampani,” he said.
“Similarly, on December 24, 2023, at about 2245hrs, three villages in Barkin-Ladi LGA namely; NTV, Hurum and Darawat were also attacked.”
The police frontman also said that the state police commissioner had delegated some duties to his deputy, to send in a team of prepared officers in the area to tackle the situation and bring those responsible for the attacks to their knees.
Addressing further, Mr Alfred Alabo also revealed that about “17 deaths” were recorded within the earlier period of the invasion in Barking-Ladi local government on Saturday. Plateau killings
“Findings from the assessment of the ugly incidents in Bokkos LGA revealed that the total number of villages attacked is 12; 221 houses were set ablaze, 27 motorcycles were burnt, eight motor vehicles were burnt down and over 79 persons were killed while 17 deaths were recorded in Barkin-ladi LGA,” he said.
Meanwhile, since the unprovoked attack on December 24, many northern states’ governors including senators have demanded joint efforts by the security agencies to double measures to rescue residents of the affected areas in Plateau State.
Also speaking today, in respect to the new reports of more deaths of people in the area, members of the Northern Senators Forum commiserated with families who had lost their loved ones and homes to the attack, encouraging the State government to continue in its fight to arrest the assailants behind the killings and destruction of properties in the region. (3)
“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,” read a statement issued and signed by the Forum spokesman, Senator Kawu Sumaila. Plateau killings
“This brutal act is indefensible, devoid of reason, and stains our shared humanity.
“We unequivocally condemn such heinous acts and express our deepest condolences to the affected families, loved ones, the people, and the Government of Plateau State.
“Their immense loss is a collective grief, and we stand united in our determination to seek justice.
“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.
They also added that, “The Northern senators noted that a collective effort will foster resilience to overcome “this dark chapter in our history.”
“During these trying times, unity among citizens is crucial. We must draw on our shared values of compassion, empathy, and respect to support one another and provide solace to those affected.
“As representatives of the people, we urge the federal government to consolidate investigation reports of similar cases, taking necessary action to prevent future occurrences.”
The northern lawmakers also stressed the need for “peace and unity” to be highly upheld if all must coexist as a nation. Plateau killings
“Moreover, let us reflect on the importance of upholding peace, unity, and understanding within our country,” the Forum members’ statement added.
“We must recommit to fostering an inclusive atmosphere where diversity is celebrated, and differences are resolved through dialogue and peaceful means.
“In conclusion, we reiterate our strong condemnation of this abhorrent act of mass killing.
The senators also highlighted in the statement, “We implore everyone to stand united against violence, support the affected families, and trust our law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice. Plateau killings
“Together, we shall prevail, and our country will emerge stronger. May peace be restored to our nation, and may our hearts find solace in these challenging times.”
Plateau killings
