The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, (CACOL), has condemned the recent Christmas Eve attacks on communities in three local government areas of Plateau State.
CACOL in a release signed by the organization’s Director of Administration and Programmes, Tola Oresanwo on behalf of the organization’s Chairman, Mr. Debo Adeniran noted that, “It was reported that on Sunday, gunmen stormed Ndun, Ngyong, Murfet, Makundary, Tamiso, Chiang, Tahore, Gawarba, Dares, Meyenga, Darwat, and Butura Kampani villages in the Barkin Ladi, Mangu and Bokkos local government areas of Plateau state burning houses and shooting residents. According to the state government, over 115 people were killed, while the police put the death toll at 96.”
The group noted that the attack on the affected communities is condemnable, senseless, barbaric, unacceptable and uncalled for, adding that it is another gory tale of the security situation in the country.
‘’ It is so unfortunate that the security situation in the country has degenerated to an abysmal low level making all efforts aimed at restoring it to be counterproductive.
“We were particularly saddened by the report that there had been a series of interventions aimed at curbing this ugly insecurity trend in Plateau communities – as a matter of fact, Mangu and other frequently attacked LGAs have received special attention in recent months – a presidential order and a special military operation. However, the killings have persisted and seem to have defied all odds.
‘’ We can still recall that in July this year, the House of Representatives asked Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA), to declare a national emergency on killings in Plateau. The lawmakers passed the resolution following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Dachung Bagos, a lawmaker from Plateau. In the same month, the Nigerian army said more manpower and equipment had been deployed to address the incessant attacks and killings in Mangu LGA and other communities in Plateau state. This was in addition to the division’s headquarters already stationed in the LGA.
‘’The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Taoreed Lagbaja, also inaugurated “Operation Hakorin Damisa IV”, a special operation to tackle insecurity in the state. Hakorin Damisa, which means “Tiger’s teeth”, was launched in Mangu on July 22. In August, the Plateau state government established a Security and Information Centre (SIC) to provide residents with access to report developments in their locations.
‘’ The governor of the state, Caleb Mutfwang, said the initiative will enable the state to address its security challenges. Mutfwang also unveiled the state-owned security outfit known as Operation Rainbow in November with the passing out of 600 personnel.’’
He lamented that despite all these efforts, the spate of attacks of Plateau communities has been continuous, pointing out that the value of human lives have been reduced to that of a common insect that could be killed without the pricks of conscience.
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