Plateau Massacre: Northern Govs Say Killings, Threat To Unity, Stability Of Region

By Ayodele Oni

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has condemned the recent attacks on five communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing them as senseless.

The Forum said killings  threaten  the unity and stability of the Region.

The  Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, in a statement, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incidents, which  claimed over 50 lives, and left scores injured, mostly women and children.

The statement was made available to journalists in Gombe by Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilli, the Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House.

Yahaya, while commiserating with families of victims as well as  the government and people of Plateau, decried the  cycle of attacks on rural communities in the North.

He described the persistent shedding of innocent blood as a stain on the conscience of the region and the nation.

“The sanctity of human life must never be taken for granted. These heinous attacks on innocent people are totally unacceptable and must be condemned by all.”

The NSGF Chairman commended the Plateau governor, Mr Caleb Mutfwang, for his swift response and measures  taken after the  attacks, as well as the security agencies for their rapid intervention to restore calm.

He, however, urged security operatives to intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

Yahaya also stressed the need for tolerance, peace building and mutual understanding among diverse communities, particularly between farmers and herders.

He reiterated the commitment of the Northern governors to working collectively to address insecurity, promoting social cohesion, and fostering harmonious coexistence across the region.

“As Northern governors, we will continue to take deliberate steps to end this cycle of violence, by strengthening security collaboration, promoting dialogue, and implementing policies that encourage peace and unity.”

He further called for  support from all stakeholders to complement government’s efforts by preaching peace, tolerance, and forgiveness.