From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Outrage and condemnations have heightened over the recent bloodletting in Plateau State in which over 50 persons were gruesomely murdered with the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) calling on the Federal Government to put an end to the killing spree.
The attack which happened on March 28 resulted in the deaths of scores of people including women and children in coordinated attacks on some communities in Bokkos Local Government Area.
In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the Forum, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the ACF called on the Federal Government to declare a state of security emergency on vulnerable and bandit-prone communities and to initiate effective early-warning and early-response strategies that incorporate the participation of community members.
“The government should intensify efforts in actionable intelligence gathering, processing and deployment by relevant security agencies, so as to establish the immediate and remote causes of the latest skirmishes, investigate, identify, arrest and prosecute perpetrators and enablers of the attacks
“The Federal Government and the Plateau State Government should empower community leaders, elders, clergy, traditional leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to embark on community dialogue for conflict resolution, reconciliation and cooperation. All must intensify conflict resolution efforts.
“Citizens should avail the security agencies with credible information on the activities of insurgents and criminals. Members of the National Assembly should do more to hold the Federal Government and the national security agencies to account, and to demand concrete evidence of a firm resolve to exterminate the current terror on citizens.
“While, reiterating its unalloyed support for the Federal Government, the Plateau State Government and all national security agencies in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria, the ACF calls on all to up the ante in the fight against threats to the wellbeing of all Nigerian citizens,” the statement added.
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), in a separate reaction, demanded compensation for the families of the victims.
In a statement by its President General, Yerima Shettima, the group said the killing was an act of senseless violence that had also left entire communities destroyed.
“This tragic incident is not only a profound violation of human rights but also a stark reminder of the escalating insecurity in various parts of our nation.
“The perpetrators of these heinous acts must be brought to justice and it is imperative that the government takes immediate and decisive action to prevent further bloodshed.
“We, at AYCF, express our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims and the affected communities that have suffered irreparable losses. The pain and trauma caused by such violence cannot be understated and it is a reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms.
“Furthermore, in the wake of this tragedy, we call for adequate compensation to be provided to the victims’ families. The loss of life, property and livelihood cannot be compensated fully, but financial support is essential for the survivors to rebuild their lives.
“We demand that the government establish a fund dedicated to supporting the victims, including medical aid, psychological support and financial compensation for the families who have lost loved ones.
“This is not just a call for justice; it is a call for compassion, accountability and a collective commitment to ensuring that such atrocities do not continue to plague our nation.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Plateau State and all victims of violence, and we demand action that prioritises the safety and dignity of every Nigerian citizen.
“AYCF commiserated with the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, and the entire people of the state over what it described as yet another senseless bloodshed,” the statement said.