From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The minority caucus of the House of Representatives has called for a detailed probe of the incessant killings in Plateau State.
The caucus, in a statement by the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, yesterday, noted that the Plateau killings have lingered for too long and must be stopped now.
Consequently, the lawmakers charged the security committees in the National Assembly to, in accordance with Sections 4, 88 and 89 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), “commence a proper and detailed investigation into the persistent murders and proffer legislative solutions to end the same.”
The opposition lawmakers, who were reacting to Christmas Day killings in Gashish and Ropp Districts of Barkin Ladi and Bokkos local government areas of Plateau State, by gunmen, said the incident has raised national and global concerns about the security in the country, especially in the North central.
They said: “These murders, which have become the cyclical outcomes of inter-communal violence in Plateau State, show how grievances between communities can be turned into organised violence by unidentified groups and persons who use violent methods to address perceived differences.
“When Jos was turned into an infernal theatre and a killing field, in which 1,000 people lost their lives in 2001, many thought that the violent expressions of differences had reached the zenith; but, unfortunately, more attacks followed in Jos, Wase, Langtang North, Langtang South, Shendam, Mikang, Qua’an Pan, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom, resulting in many deaths and the destruction of properties.
“The reasons adduced by observers for the sad state of affairs which ranged from internecine fights between indigenes and settlers for natural resources to inter-ethnic rivalry ensuing between ethnic groups no longer appear plausible. In view of the increasing rates of attacks, sophistication of invasions of communities, and the anonymity of the perpetrators of the attacks, there is something about this anonymity which makes the murders of the Plateau sinister.
“What is more sinister is that warnings of impending attacks are unheeded by security agencies, coupled with the apparent unwillingness of the political leadership to arrest perpetrators and nip the violence in Plateau State in the bud. If the accounts of witnesses are to be believed, what stands clear is the act of collusion and conspiracy in the bloodletting. The murders on the Plateau have gone on for too long and must be stopped now!”
The caucus, while condoling with the government and people of Plateau, appreciated the sacrifices of the security agencies, so far, and urged them not relent in tackling the crisis “until victory is assured for all”.
Also, the Northern caucus of the House of Representatives has condemned the killing of citizens by gunmen in 23 villages across Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas of Plateau State on Christmas, with a call for a thorough probe.
The caucus, in a statement, by its chairman, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, believes that only a thorough investigation with a commitment to punishing those responsible for the massacre, as well as other killings in the state will bring peace to the Plateau.
The lawmakers, while noting that the killings are unreasonable, indefensible and a “reproach on our humanity”, stated that they are not a representation of what the northern part of the country is known for.
“First, we would like to commiserate with the government and good people of Plateau State and also in the same breath condemn the killings as the most barbaric, senseless and vicious acts that should not find its place in our society.
“These barbaric acts should not and have never been a representation of what the northern part of this country is known for. We are known for being accommodating and respectful of individual differences along religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic spectra and as such these incidents are devoid of reason, indefensible and a reproach on our humanity.
“From media reportage putting the figure of the casualties in the coordinated attacks to over 150 and the outrage that have since trailed it, we join the rest of Nigerians to demand for a thorough and well intentioned fact finding on the direct and remote cause(s) of these senseless killings that have put our region in the bad light of national discuss again,” the lawmakers stated.
They added: “We believe that only a thorough fact finding mission with a commitment to punishing all those that played direct or indirect roles in this massacre as well as other pockets of killings that have been taking place in the state in the last few weeks as reported in the media will lead to a lasting peace in the Plateau region, which has now become renowned for attacks and reprisals, especially among farming communities and the pastoralists.
“We call on governments at both state and federal level and all security agencies to ensure justice is served in this matter, by bringing all the perpetrators to book and finding lasting solutions to these recurring criminalities in Plateau and other parts of Northern Nigeria.”
The caucus, while pledging its support to efforts to restore peace in the area, charged the government, good spirited organisations and individuals to come to the aid of those injured and displaced in the attacks.
“We must reiterate as a people that ‘never again’ will allow these to happen in our locality, and we must all vow to play our parts in ensuring the sanctity of human lives are protected,” they stated.