Bokkos killings: It’s time to say enough is enough —NSA

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has condemned the recent attacks in Plateau State and other parts of the country saying, ‘Enough is Enough’.

Recall that gunmen in their large numbers swooped on some villages in Bokkos Local Government Area of the state last week, killing no fewer than  50 people.

Speaking during his visit to the state over the incident at the headquarters of the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in charge of security in the state, the NSA said. “We are going through tough times, difficult times, but it’s not going to be forever. The issue of security is for all of us. We all have to come together. Everyone has a role to play. But I think that communities—those who have been living together for years and decades—it’s time for us to say enough is enough.

“Our security forces are doing well. But our communities can do even better. I think it’s time to say enough is enough. We have lost many people. But it’s not exactly like the figures you see out there. But even one soul lost is a lot.

“We also appeal to the media to verify and report accurate and appropriate information. Telling the truth helps us get through this together. It helps us feel. It helps us keep our contracts and live in peace and security,” the NSA said.

He commended the armed forces and other safety services for the work they are doing, pointing out that —acting instantly in the middle of a crisis—Nigerians should continue to be grateful to members of the armed forces and the security services.

The NSA said the intermittent crisis has been a long-standing issue which can only be addressed by looking at it from the point of what was happening before and what is happening now.

He further narrated that when people who live together as one community are unable to resolve issues peacefully, miscreants and criminals take advantage.

“We are learning lessons from it. But I can assure you—things have changed and improved and will get even better as we move forward across the country and on the Plateau as well. This incident we witnessed over the last 10 days—hopefully, we will not see it again. And that’s why I’ve come with this message,” he said.

He said that in 2023, those who lost their lives due to violence have been reduced by over 90 percent in the last 10 months.

Meanwhile, Governor  Muftwang has vowed to prosecute the perpetrators of the killings in Bokkos.

“I want to assure you that the lives lost in Bokkos will not be in vain. Some advised that we cancel this meeting due to the tragic circumstances, but after wide consultations with our leaders both at home and in the Diaspora, we decided to forge ahead. We cannot let those behind these heinous acts think they have broken our spirit. Yes, we are mourning, but by the grace of God, we are not defeated,” he said.

Reflecting on the broader context of the violence,  HE noted, “Since the December 2023 attacks, we had begun reclaiming our identity as the Home of Peace and Tourism. For over a year, we recorded no major incident. But these attacks are clearly orchestrated, deliberate attempts to impoverish and intimidate our people at the start of every farming season.”

Mutfwang confirmed that some masterminds of the attacks have already been apprehended and stressed that the era of arrest without prosecution is over.

He urged the 54 ethnic nationalities of Plateau State resident in Abuja to remain united and uphold the core values of the state which are peace, unity, hard work, tolerance, excellence and hospitality.

Also, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has said it is saddened at attacks by terror gangs on defenceless communities in Plateau State, and called for restoration of peace in the troubled communities.

In a statement issued by the National Publicity of the Forum, Professor Tukur Muhammad Baba, said the Forum identifies with the pains of families of the victims.

“To the Federal Government, constitutionally responsible for the protection of lives and properties of citizens, ACF wishes to draw attention, for the umpteenth time, to the deterioration in the state of security in Arewa communities and elsewhere in Nigeria,” he said.

ACF reiterates its long-standing stance that every new such experiences is one too many. Clearly, the people are in great pains, with their situation compounded by existential economic challenges.

“The killing spree on the Plateau must be stopped and peace must return to the state. Going forward, ACF calls on the FGN to declare a state of security emergency on vulnerable and banditry-prone communities and to initiate effective early-warning and early-response strategies that incorporate the participation of community members,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (Northern CAN) has condemned  the  killings of innocent residents in Bokkos Local Government Area

A statement issued by the Chairman of Northern CAN, Reverend Joseph John Hayab in Kaduna on Sunday, expressed concern.

“We condemn in totality this strange and evil culture of taking human lives. Hiding under religion, ethnicity or any guise to unleash terror on communities is unacceptable. Our societal value for human life has dangerously eroded and this must not be allowed to continue,” the statement read.

The Christian body also called on religious, traditional and community leaders to rise to the occasion by preaching peace, unity and tolerance among their people.

Also, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has conducted a rapid assessment of the communities recently affected by attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Assessment teams are currently on ground in the impacted areas to evaluate the extent of the damage and identify the immediate needs of affected populations.

Concurrently, arrangements are being finalised for the delivery of relief materials approved by the Federal Government in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu to provide swift humanitarian assistance to the victims.

In addition, a high-level team from NEMA headquarters, led by the director general, is on the way to the state to reinforce ongoing efforts by the NEMA Zonal Office in Jos.

According to NEMA, the proposed visit aims to further coordinate relief interventions and ensure an efficient and timely response.

Credit: Nigerian Tribune