•Tells govs nation’s peace, stability is collective responsibility
•Mutfwang: it’s disheartening losing lives to senseless, unprovoked attacks
•NGF, northern leaders, CAN, Abbas, Obi, Amnesty International, others mourn, condemn incident
•Police put death toll at over 79, observers say it’s over 140
Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Sunday Aborisade, Juliet Akoje, Folalumi Alaran in Abuja, Hammed Shittu in Ilorin, Seriki Adinoyi in Jos, Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi, Laleye Dipo in Minna and Wale Igbintade in Lagos
Angered by the Christmas eve attacks on Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local government areas of Plateau State, which officially left 79 people dead, President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, issued a stern directive to the security agencies to halt the carnage and go after the perpetrators.
Tinubu spoke during a meeting with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) at his Lagos residence.
The president declared that the federal and state governments had a joint responsibility to ensure peace and stability in the country.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, condemned the incident, and lamented that it was disheartening to continue to lose lives to senseless and unprovoked attacks.
Many prominent Nigerians and groups, including Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), northern leaders, including their governors and senators, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, and Amnesty International, also yesterday, condemned the attacks.
The Plateau State police command, while releasing details of the attacks, yesterday, put the casualty figure at over 79. But majority of observers, in and outside the state, claimed the dead persons were over 140.
Tinubu condoled with the victims and emphasised the sanctity of human life. He called for a paradigm shift among those with contrary beliefs, cautioning them about the inevitable consequences of their actions.
Talking to the governors, the president said, “Nigeria needs peace and stability to move forward. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we have to take care of it.”
He emphasised the need for collaboration between the federal and sub-national governments to facilitate rapid infrastructure development in every part of the country.
The president stated, “I want us to discard federal, state, or rural road classifications. We must regard development as a joint responsibility. Let us prioritise our children.
“The school feeding programme must return quickly, beginning from the local government to the state and federal governments. We must be ready to protect our children and prepare them for the future.”
Tinubu acknowledged the presence of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and commended him for his efforts to peacefully resolve the political challenges in the state.
He told the Rivers State governor, “I thank you for your statesmanship. I listened to your broadcast and your emphasis on peace. It is only with peace that effective governance can thrive, and governance has commenced in earnest under my watch.”
On the 2024 budget proposal before the National Assembly, the president informed the governors that he had a review meeting earlier in the day on certain elements in the Appropriation Bill, with Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu.
Earlier, Chairman of NGF and Kwara State governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, expressed solidarity with the government and the people of Plateau State.
“May God be with the souls of the departed and bring peace to Plateau State,” Abdulrazaq said. “The governor of Plateau State, we are with you; stay strong,” he added.
In a separate condolence statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor described the Plateau incident as shocking and sad. He extended his condolences to the government and people of Plateau State, especially the bereaved families, and insisted that nothing justified the violence visited on innocent people.
While urging the security agencies to get to the roots of the incident and bring perpetrators to book, he prayed God to give comfort to all the affected families.
Abdulrazaq appealed to everyone in Plateau State to do everything to avoid a cycle of violence, which only inflicts generational pain and underdevelopment.
He reaffirmed state governments’ support for the bold decisions and reforms initiated by the Tinubu’s administration.
He said, “These are challenging times. It is not a walk in the park. Removing fuel subsidies had a great structural effect on the economy of the states. But we are confident that we will overcome these challenges and bounce back better.”
Mutfwang: It’s Disheartening Losing Lives to Senseless, Unprovoked Attacks
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, condemned the coordinated attacks on innocent communities in Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin-Ladi local government areas of the state, declaring it is disheartening to lose lives to senseless, unprovoked attacks.
The governor empathised with the people over the assaults and called for united efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the heinous acts.
In a press statement by his Director of Press, Mr. Gyang Bere, the governor reported that more than 20 villages had been displaced, with many houses destroyed and millions of naira worth of property lost. He added that scores of individuals also sustained gunshot injuries during the attacks.
Mutfwang acknowledged and appreciated Tinubu for supporting the Nigerian Army in maintaining security. He also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, and Commander, Operation SAFE HAVEN, for their commitment to addressing various security challenges facing the state.
He stated, “It is disheartening that we have lost numerous lives due to incessant attacks in Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin-Ladi. These senseless and unprovoked acts are unnecessary and unjustifiable.
“I appeal to the sponsors of these attacks to reconsider, as there is nothing to gain from such violence. The spirit of the Plateau people will not be broken.”
The governor praised the bravery and sacrifices of security personnel, acknowledging the injuries sustained by some during efforts to secure the affected villages. He assured them of continued collaboration with the military and other security agencies to address security challenges, given the limited resources available.
Mutfwang called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Plateau State Emergency Management Agency to swiftly respond to the humanitarian crisis resulting from the attacks.
He pledged the state government’s commitment to settling the medical expenses of the injured, now receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and other hospitals in the state.
Federal Government, Security Forces Complicit, Says MBF
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) alleged that the Nigerian government and the security forces were complicity in the Plateau killings and, indeed, killings in other states in the Middle Belt.
In a statement by National President of MBF, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, the forum said Section 14(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria stipulated that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
It stated, “Conversely, the unrelenting massacre of our people in the Middle-Belt States, particularly, yesterday on the Plateau, has shown without any vestige of pessimism that the government and security forces are complicit in the ethnic cleansing of the indigenous ethnic nationalities, who are not part of the Sokoto Caliphate.
“The hideout from which these insurgents/terrorists launch their attacks on the states of Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Southern Kaduna is known to government and security forces for decades, yet they have deliberately fortified this evil theatre from any destruction, thus, providing a safe haven for these terrorists to smuggle arms, train their mercenaries, and unleash unimaginable terror on innocent citizens without any provocation whatsoever.”
Pogu said because of the helplessness of governors amid the attacks, state police was the only option left to secure the country from a full-blown war. He said as the arms stockpile was on an alarming increase, given the ineffectiveness of government in guaranteeing the security of lives and property of Nigerians.
Attack is Heinous, Reprehensible, Says Northern Governors
Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Yahaya, described as reprehensible and heinous the Christmas eve attacks on communities within Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local government areas of Plateau State.
Yahaya governor, on behalf of the 19 northern governors, Tuesday, expressed deepest condolences to the affected families and communities as well as the government and people of Plateau State.
He stated, “It is reprehensible and disheartening to hear of the loss of over 100 hundred lives and destruction of properties that occurred during these attacks, especially during a time when residents were preparing to celebrate the festive season.
“Such acts of violence are not only cowardly but also run counter to the spirit of unity and coexistence that our region upholds.
“We must all prioritise peace and harmonious living in our communities. Now, more than ever, we must reaffirm our commitment to peaceful coexistence and solidarity regardless of our differences.”
CAN President Urges Unity, Reconciliation
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) called on Nigerians to embrace the spirit of unity and reconciliation during this joyous season.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel C. Okoh, in a statement he signed on Christmas Day, while highlighting Nigeria’s diversity, said Nigerians must seek common grounds among the various ethnicities and religions. Okoh urged citizens to reflect on the values of peace and goodwill.
Okoh anchored the statement on Luke 2:14, from the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible, which emphasised the significance of Christmas as a time to celebrate God’s love and the hope it brings to humanity.
He stated, “In a diverse country like Nigeria, characterised by multiple ethnicities and religions, we must always strive to seek what unites and binds us together rather than what divides us.
“Though we may be experiencing economic hardship, let us not forget those who are on the margins of society. We must share our resources with them and give them a sense of belonging, as Christ would do.”
Baptist Convention Condemns Killings
The leadership of the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC) condemned the wanton killing of Christians and destruction of churches by suspected Fulani militia in Plateau State.
President of NBC, Rev. Dr Israel Adelani Akanji, called on the security agencies to bring the culprits to book.
Akanji requested President Bola Tinubu to, as a matter of urgency, provide necessary security to all Nigerians and bring an end to the wanton killings of Christians in the northern part of the country.
He said NBC was saddened by the continued killing of Christians in Plateau State and other parts of the country.
Northern Senators Call for Thorough Probe
The Northern Senators Forum condemned the mass killings in Plateau State and called for a thorough investigation. Spokesperson for the NSF in the 10th National Assembly, Senator Suleiman Sumaila, who stated this in a statement, condemned the act and described it as a national calamity.
Sumaila said, “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.
“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.”
Abbas Bemoans Fresh Killings in Plateau
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, condemned the attacks on communities within Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local government areas of Plateau State on Christmas eve.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Abbas described the attacks as barbaric and heinous, adding that the deaths are “too many,” especially at this time.
He noted with concern the trend of attacks by gunmen, bandits and other criminals, who killed innocent Nigerians.
The speaker urged the security and intelligence agencies to forestall further loss of lives and property on the Plateau and other parts of the country, and charged them to go after the perpetrators of the dastardly act, apprehend and prosecute them.
Obi: We’re Overstretching our Security
Presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, sent words to the country’s security agencies over the Plateau havoc, saying they are being overstretched.
In a special Yuletide message to the uniformed operatives following the killings on the Plateau, Obi noted that they were being overstrained by the increasing incidents of terrorism and criminal violence across the country.
He stated, “As we celebrate this season of peace and love and the approach of a new year, I like to spare a thought for our compatriots in uniform.
“The men and women of our armed and security services come to mind. The soldiers in various battlefronts of insecurity, the policemen and women in patrol in our cities and highways, the Civil Defence Corps, and Department of State Services operatives.
“These illustrious citizens are often lost in our thoughts and prayers, both as leaders and fellow citizens, yet they remain the guardians and protectors of our freedom as a people.
“I am thinking of those who in the call of duty have to spend this festive season away from the comfort of home and the embrace of loved ones.
“I am referring to those who face the risk of the supreme sacrifice to protect and defend the freedom of our dear nation and the liberties that come with our democracy.
“Let us spare them our thoughts and prayers this season. Let them be reassured that their labours are appreciated by a grateful nation.”
According to him, “Great nations are built by rulers, citizens, and the protectors of freedom.
“Therefore, to all our illustrious heroes, please accept the prayers and thoughts of your compatriots and the appreciation of a grateful nation for your services and sacrifices.”
In a statement on his X page, Obi condemned the Plateau killings, but he applauded the efforts of the security authorities to contain terrorism and insurgency.
He stated, “After my sympathy visit to the Regent of Oba Community in Anambra State for the recent horrific killing of people in a nightclub in that community; plus the mindless act of terrorism that occurred on Christmas Day in Plateau State, where the death toll is now reportedly more than 100, with over 300 injured; with the saddening acts of violence that have occurred in Zamfara and Kastina states.
“Where farmers were killed and several others kidnapped, and the many other violent attacks in many parts of the country, which may go unreported; my thoughts went to our overstretched security operatives. The men and women of our armed and security services come to mind.
“Let them be reassured that their labours are appreciated by a grateful nation. Great nations are built by rulers, citizens, and the protectors of freedom.
“Therefore, to all our illustrious heroes, please, accept the prayers and thoughts of your compatriots and the appreciation of a grateful nation for your services and sacrifices.
“God bless you all for what you do for us all.”
CUPP Urges Arrest of Killers of Plateau Villagers
Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) asked the security agencies to immediately fish out those responsible for the killing of innocent villagers in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas of Plateau State.
A statement by National Secretary CUPP, High Chief Peter Ameh, described the killings as an act of genocide.
The statement said, “We in CUPP have watched in great shock, utter trepidation and indescribable awe the viral videos making the rounds on the massacre of more than 150 innocent souls in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas of Plateau State, and we hereby unambiguously and unequivocally condemn the killings as an act of genocide that has been ongoing for more than eight years.
“CUPP hereby urges the security agencies to move into an overdrive and either smoke, or fish out those responsible for these killings and their sponsors and promptly bring them to justice, or in the alternative take justice to them, wherever they may be hiding.
“CUPP also recommends that the government of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu should immediately convene or empanel a committee to look at our constitution, which we regard more as a unitary constitution, with a view to amending it to conform truly with the federalism we mouth our country to be, and empower the component states to have their own internal security, be it police, coast guards or vigilante organisations, amongst others, to enable them effectively secure their local borders.”
Amnesty International: FG Encouraging Insecurity
Rights group, Amnesty International observed that the inability of the federal government to bring attackers to justice was encouraging them and fuelling rising insecurity across the country.
The group made the observation in a statement by its media officer, Isa Sanusi, on the horrific killing of over 140 people by gunmen across over 20 villages of Bokkos and parts of Barkin-Ladi local government areas of Plateau State.
It accused the Nigerian authorities of abandoning these communities at the mercy of rampaging gunmen
The statement added that the failure of the Nigerian authorities to tame the tide of violence “is costing people’s lives and livelihoods”, warning that without immediate action many more lives may be lost.
Amnesty International stated that Tinubu had promised during his inauguration to put in place new ways of addressing increasing insecurity in the country, but added that the attacks in Plateau State and recently in some parts of Benue, Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina states revealed that protecting lives and property was low on the list of his priorities.
The group stated that issuing statements condemning the attacks was not enough and that genuine commitment to protecting the people must be demonstrated by ensuring justice.
Amnesty International stated, “The Nigerian authorities must investigate the inexcusable security lapses that allowed the horrific killing of over 140 people by gunmen across over 20 villages of Bokkos and parts of Barkin-Ladi local government area of Plateau state.
“Our investigation shows that the gunmen were on a rampage of killing and destruction for more than 48 hours, moving from one village to another.
“Apart from Bokkos local government area, where the attacks started and lasted hours, the gunmen also crossed into Barkin Ladi local government area and killed dozens of people in Hurum, Daruwat, Maiyanga and NTV villages.
“President Bola Tinubu must set up an impartial, independent and effective panel to investigate the apparent failure of security agencies to halt the bloodshed hours after villages that were attacked were gathering dead bodies of those killed and conveying those injured to hospitals.”
Police Place Death Toll at over 79
Plateau State Police Command released casualty figures on the Christmas eve attacks in Plateau State, saying over 79 persons were killed in Bokkos Local Government Area, while another 17 were killed in Barkin-ladi Local Government Area.
There have been conflicting figures from different quarters with some putting the total figure at 160.
Several calls to the police to get the correct figure had been rebuffed until yesterday, when it issued a statement on the incident.
In a statement by the Police Public Relation Officer in the state, Mr. Alfred Alabo, the police said, “On the 24/12/2023 at 2200hrs the following twelve (12) villages in Bokkos LGA were attacked: Ndun, Ngyong, Murfet, Makundary, Tamiso, Chiang, Tahore, Gawarba, Dares, Meyenga, Darwat and Butura Kampani.
“Similarly, on 24/12/2023 at about 2245hrs, three (3) villages in Barkin-Ladi LGA namely; NTV, Hurum and Darawat were also attacked.
“Findings from the assessment of the ugly incidents in Bokkos LGA revealed that the total number of villages attacked is Twelve (12), Two Hundred and twenty-one (221) houses were set ablaze, Twenty-seven (27) motorcycles were burnt, Eight (8) motor-vehicles were burnt down and over seventy-nine (79) persons were killed, while seventeen deaths were recorded in Barkin-ladi LGA.”
Alabo said the state Commissioner of Police, CP Okoro J. Alawari, was seriously grieved over the deadly attacks that took place in mainly remote villages of the two local government councils at odd hours of the night, and sympathised with the families of those that lost their loved ones.
The statement added that the Commissioner of Police had directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge Operations (DC DOPs) to relocate to Bokkos Local Government Area. It said the police commissioner had also deployed high-power delegation of well-armed operational forces to the troubled areas to prevent further attacks and also assess the level of damages in the affected areas, even as investigation and monitoring of the incidents were ongoing.
Christmas Celebrated Peacefully in Niger, Says Police
The Niger State police command disclosed that this year’s Christmas was celebrated across the state in an atmosphere of peace. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, who made this known in a statement, said reports from police formations across the state showed the festivities went on without hitches or ugly incidents.
Abiodun attributed the situation to adequate deployment of police personnel and other security agencies.
“The peaceful celebration can be attributed to adequate deployment of police personnel and other security agencies, as well as operational assets, as directed by the CP Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman,” he said.
Abiodun also said the situation was because of the cooperation of Nigerlites and residents with the police and other security agencies deployed for the festival.
In his message to the people of his senatorial district and the state, the senator for Niger East senatorial district, Senator Sani Musa, asked Christians to continue to pray for sustained peace in his constituency, Niger State, and Nigeria, generally.
Musa noted with satisfaction the relative peace in the senatorial zone and Niger State, as a whole, and observed that fervent prayers by the faithful will further make the state to continue to enjoy peace.
