President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness and grief over the latest round of violence and killings in Plateau State.
The President condemned in strong terms the most recent internecine killings in Mangu Local Government Area LGA), and parts of Benue State.
In a statement, the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Mr. Dele Alake said President Tinubu found very depressing the festering reprisal attacks, needless and avoidable bloodletting among communities in the two States.
“It is most unfortunate that in this orgy of violence, an innocent eight-month-old baby in Farin Lamba community of Vwang District, Jos South Local Government, died in a conflict she knew nothing about.
“A major consequence of perennial conflict is always the tragic loss of innocent lives.
“To build virile, peaceful and prosperous communities demand tolerance and forgiveness for every perceived wrongdoing”, the President said.
To rebuild trust and restore harmony to these conflict areas, President Tinubu urged community and religious leaders, traditional rulers, socio-cultural organisations as well as the leadership of Arewa Consultative Forum, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, and Christian Association of Nigeria to work together to help foster genuine and long-lasting peace.
While reaffirming his government’s strong determination to stamp out violent crimes and all forms of criminalities everywhere in Nigeria, the President directed security agencies to fish out the masterminds of the dastardly acts to face the full wrath of law.
He, however, charged the governments of Plateau and Benue States and emergency response agencies to provide support and immediate relief to victims who have been displaced as a result of the conflicts.
Last Sunday, gunmen attacked Teng and Pwakop communities in Mangu Local Council in Plateau State, killing four persons.
It was learnt that the terrorists fired gunshots and burned houses and other property.
A Teng resident, Mrs. Janet Bulus, confirmed that the victims were killed while trying to escape.
Three persons were also killed by another set of gunmen in Taraba State.
The incident, which occurred in Jenuwa Nyifiye community of Takum LGA, reportedly led to razing of houses and property worth millions of naira.
Police Public Relations Officer in Taraba State, Superintendent Abdullahi Usman said that gunshots by the suspects cut down three persons.
But for the swift intervention of the police and soldiers, he believed casualty figures would have been higher.
