Pulse.ng : Northern group condems killings in Plateau, urges humanitarian support for victims

By Sani Idris

The Northern Solidarity and Peace Initiative Forum, has condemned the recent killings and wanton destruction of properties in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau.

Mr Sabiu Barau, the Coordinator of the forum, made the call in a statement issued to newsmen on Saturday in Kaduna.

He called on the Federal Government and security agencies to take proactive steps toward addressing the spate of insecurity in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Christmas eve, gunmen attacked 15 communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau, killing 96 persons and destroyed 221 houses.

It is also recalled that the assailants also destroyed eight vehicles and 27 motorcycles, according to Police spokesman in the state, DSP Alfred Alabo.

The communities attacked were in Bokkos Local Government Area, which included Ndun, Ngyong, Murfet, Makundary, Tamiso, Chiang, Tahore, Gawarba, Dares, Meyenga, Darwat and Butura Kampani.

Barau, who decried that the affected areas were largely poor rural communities, called on humanitarian organisations to provide relief materials to support the victims.

”The horrendous and genocidal killings and destruction of property and other means of livelihood by very wicked, evil, criminal militias in over 20 villages of Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi is reprehensible, ungodly, satanic, totally unacceptable and condemnable.

”As a Forum, we are pained that this attack was carried out against innocent and harmless people who were climaxing preparations to celebrate Christmas.

”Unfortunately, their joy turned into pain, weeping and sorrow. We pray that God will comfort the families of the bereaved and the entire North; and bring healing and restoration to all the injured.

”I appeal to relevant agencies of government, groups and individuals, to provide relief materials to the affected communities.

” I also appeal for adequate deployment of security forces to forestall any further attacks,” the Coordinator appealed.”

Barau, who commended efforts of the state government, also called on the residents to be more proactive about their personal safety.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)