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Reassessment of current military tactics necessary – NEF
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We call for unity, peace – CAN
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FG shouldn’t allow perpetrators escape justice – group
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The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Coalition of Plateau State Peace Builders Forum have strongly condemned the heinous attacks on various communities in Plateau State, resulting in the tragic loss of over 100 lives.
A statement on Tuesday issued by Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, Director Publicity and Advocacy/Spokesperson of NEF, expressed deep sadness over the incident.
The NEF also offered its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims.
The group called for a reassessment of the current strategies deployed by the military, adding that the strategies have proven to be ineffective and inefficient in curbing the escalating violence in the Northern region.
According to the statement, “The recent invasion of five communities in Gashish and Ropp Districts of Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State, which occurred on Christmas Eve, is just the latest in a long series of coordinated attacks, rampant killings, wanton destruction, and mass displacements that have plagued the northern region.
“The Northern Elders Forum acknowledges the dire situation and deems it necessary to address these pervasive challenges.
“Moreover, we express concern over the inability of the military to prevent the Christmas Eve killings, despite claiming to have promptly responded to 36 distress calls from different locations in Plateau State in the 48 hours leading up to Christmas.
“This highlights the Forum’s growing suspicions regarding the efficacy and sufficiency of the government’s operational methods.
NEF questions whether the strategies employed by the government are flawed or grossly inadequate, given the audacious regularity and ease with which the attackers operate across the northern region.
“NEF is also deeply concerned about the recent security incident in Ruwan Dorawa village, Zamfara State.
“The tragic event that unfolded on the same Christmas Eve resulted in the loss of two innocent lives and the abduction of over 25 individuals, predominantly children and women, including the wife of the village head.
“In light of this incident and the escalating security challenges faced by the region, NEF urgently demands a comprehensive investigation into the reported security lapse in Ruwan Dorawa village.
“The findings of this inquiry must be made public, and those responsible for the security breach must be held accountable to ensure justice for the victims and prevent such incidents from reccurring.
“Furthermore, NEF calls upon the relevant authorities to give immediate attention to the several administrative and judicial commissions of inquiry reports concerning security incidents in Plateau, Kaduna, and other conflict areas in the North.
“These reports contain vital information and recommendations that, if implemented, could contribute to strengthening the security infrastructure and maintaining peace and harmony in the region.
“The Forum emphasises the need for immediate action to address this disturbing situation, protect innocent lives, preserve the peace and ensure the security of the people living in the northern region.
“NEF strongly condemns this devastating act and expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this heinous crime.
“It is deeply distressing to witness the continuous deterioration of security in the conflict-affected areas of the North, which has led to countless lives being lost and a pervasive sense of fear and instability amongst the communities.
“The Forum insists that every life is valuable, and the senseless loss of innocent lives in Plateau State and beyond is unacceptable.
“NEF appeals to the relevant authorities to prioritise the protection of lives and property and bring the perpetrators of these acts of violence to justice swiftly.
“NEF remains committed to working closely with government stakeholders, security agencies, and other relevant bodies to achieve lasting peace, stability, and security in the northern region.
“The Forum calls for a collective effort from all stakeholders to identify and address the root causes of these attacks, promote dialogue, and foster harmony among the diverse communities,” NEF stated.
The leadership of CAN at the national level, in response to the recent tragic incidents in Plateau State on Christmas Eve, issued a press statement expressing heartfelt condolences and condemning the acts of violence.
The statement, signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of CAN, mourns with the affected families, friends, and communities that lost their loved ones in the villages of Ruku, Hurum, Darwat, Mai Yanga Sabo, NTV, and Lisham Kwahasnat community in Wase LGA.
It particularly notes the devastating blow to peace and unity with the loss of lives, including those in the Baptist Church in Chirang village.
CAN strongly condemns these acts of violence, describing them as a direct assault on shared values of peace, unity, and mutual respect. The burning of houses, worship centers, and the destruction of properties are not only criminal acts but also threaten the fabric of society.
The association acknowledges the swift intervention of the Military and the deployment of a joint police and military task force to restore peace. Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s efforts in calling for peace and unity amid adversity are also recognized.
“While appreciating these immediate responses, we urge the security agencies to intensify efforts in intelligence gathering and proactive interventions to pre-empt and forestall these types of dastardly acts in the future. Our people deserve to live in peace, and it is high time we moved from reactive to preventive measures.
“We believe in the unity and strength of our nation. We acknowledge the resilience of the people of Plateau State and the nation at large. We must reinforce this unity and resilience in the face of such adversity. Let us shun all forms of violence and embrace the peace and unity that our nation so desperately needs.
In this season of love and giving, let us remember the victims and their families not only in our prayers, but also by reaching out to them with relief materials. Let us extend our empathy and support, and commit to building a peaceful and prosperous Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.
“May the peace of the season dwell in our hearts and homes, and may God bless Plateau State and our dear nation, Nigeria,” CAN added.
In a related development, a coalition of 32 indigenous peace mediation groups in Plateau State, the Coalition of Plateau State Peace Builders Forum has strongly condemned the Christmas Eve guerilla attacks in Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi local government areas.
The group expressed sadness over the renewed violence, jeopardizing the recently achieved peace in the state.
It urged the federal government and security agencies, especially Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), not to let the perpetrators escape justice.
While commending the swift response and professionalism of OPSH troops, the coalition passed a vote of confidence on Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the OPSH Commander, and his team. They praised their commitment to maintaining peace and preventing the escalation of the situation.
The coalition dismissed allegations of connivance against OPSH, stating that the security outfit and its Commander deserve accolades for their efforts in securing lives and property. They urged critics to support security agencies and provide intelligence information.
According to the group, having conducted an in-depth investigation, exonerated OPSH and Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, emphasising their significant role in restoring peace to Plateau State before the recent attacks.
In its statement, the coalition condemned the brutal attacks as barbaric and senseless. It called for the identification and arrest of those responsible for the violence.
The coalition also urged Nigerians to be patient and patriotic in their reactions, providing possible solutions to end the cycle of violence in Plateau State.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by security agencies in accessing difficult terrains, the coalition emphasised the need for cooperation and support for OPSH and other security agencies.
The group raised concerns about the credibility of some eyewitness accounts, suggesting a calculated smear campaign against OPSH.
It highlighted the international dimension of the attacks, with assailants reportedly speaking French and targeting specific tribes, indicating potential political motives.
The coalition commended OPSH for neutralizing some of the attackers and expressed sympathy for soldiers who incurred severe injuries during the counterattack.
It appealed to those profiting from crises to visit the affected communities for firsthand information.
In conclusion, the coalition urged an end to the smear campaign against OPSH and encouraged cooperation to maintain peace and security in Plateau State.
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