Obi condemns Plateau killings, calls for urgent govt action

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has condemned the attack in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

He lamented the incident where several communities were thrown into mourning following the killing of entire families in what he described as “yet another senseless attack.”

In a statement issued on Friday via X, Obi condemned the incident, which affected five communities in Bokkos—Mangor Tamiso, Daffo, Manguna, Hurti, and Tadai—saying the victims, including children and pregnant women, were buried in mass graves.

“I woke up this morning reading about yet another gory and deeply distressing report from Bokkos, Plateau State. Entire families have again, been slaughtered in yet another senseless attack. Children and pregnant women were not spared,” Obi said.

He questioned the growing trend of violence across the country, wondering why such killings have become normalised.

“How long will these killings, kidnapping, maiming and criminality continue in our nation that is not at war? How long must we wait to act decisively and focus on this drastic situation that is crippling our nation? How many more must die before the government act for the people?” he queried.

The former Anambra State governor lamented that communities across the country now live in fear, unable to farm or trade safely, citing examples from other states including Benue, Enugu, Ondo, and Anambra.

“Communities like Bokkos in Plateau, Jato-Aka in Benue, Eha-Amufu in Enugu, Ufuma in Anambra, and Aba Oyinbo in Ondo deserve government protection,” he stated. “We must end this grief and terror, as this is becoming extremely unacceptable.”

Obi called on the government and security agencies to take decisive action to stop the killings and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

“The government and security agencies must ensure that these killings are stopped, concrete steps are made to prevent future occurrences, and those arrested face the justice they deserve,” he added.

Offering his condolences, Obi said, “My heart goes to the people of Bokkos, and others in various communities. No Nigerian should live in fear as the government must do what it takes to protect Nigerians.”

Reports revealed that no fewer than five people were killed when gunmen attacked five communities in the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attack, which started on Wednesday, left 18 others hospitalised aside from the five people killed.

The Chairman of Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, Mr Kefas Mallai, who confirmed the attacks to newsmen in Jos on Thursday, said the violence began around 9 am on Wednesday when gunmen invaded Tamiso village, where women were holding a Christian fellowship meeting at a COCIN church.

He said the attackers fired gunshots, causing panic and displacement among residents.