President Muhammadu Buhari and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have expressed dismay at the wanton killings and destruction of property in Plateau State.
No exact casualty figure is known as Police, religious leaders, and security sources bandy figures between 86 and over 200. But property worth hundreds of millions is known to have been destroyed. Some persons are known to be missing.
CAN lamented that hundreds were killed and others thrown out into the rains in the cold climate of the Platea area.
A statement from presidency reads: “President Buhari has been briefed on the deeply unfortunate killings across a number of communities in Plateau State, today.
“The Nigerian Army and police are supporting the determined efforts of Governor Simon Lalong to end the attacks and bring relief to affected communities.
“President Buhari appeals for calm and assures that no efforts will be spared to bring the perpetrators to justice, and prevent a recurrence/reprisal attacks.
“The President and the entire Federal Government stand with the Government and people of Plateau at this sad time.
“The grievous loss of lives and property arising from the killings in Plateau today0 is painful and regrettable. My deepest condolences to the affected communities.
“We will not rest until all murderers and criminal elements and their sponsors are incapacitated and brought to justice.”
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau State chapter, condemned the latest attack in Barkin-Ladi local government area of the state.
Chairman of the state chapter of CAN, Rev Soja Bewarang, said the attack is a “systematic genocide and perceived as a deliberate attempt to destroy the cultural heritage of Plateau people”.
His words, ”CAN also note with great pains the dastardly attacks ongoing in many other local government areas in the State by the herdsmen militias.
“CAN condemns in the strongest terms the level of the continuous genocide of Plateau people.
“Barkin Ladi is under siege with more than 200 innocent precious human lives killed and countless driven out in the rains and left without shelter.
“The unholy act was a systematic genocide and perceived as a deliberate attempt to destroy the cultural heritage of Plateau people,
“The Government should use its might to bring these killings to a stop.Also the International community should come to the aid of Plateau people as security agencies seem to be incapable of contending with the challenges
“The soil of Plateau is smelling with rotten dead bodies as a result of silent killings”.