Group Lament Over The Rising Attacks And Killings In Plateau State

A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) in Plateau state has condemned the ongoing attacks, killings and destruction of farmlands and other property in different parts of the state. Local government areas like Mangu, Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of the state recently came under heavy attacks by unknown gunmen, leading to multiple deaths and loss of property.

In a statement issued in Jos the Plateau state capital and made available to newsmen on Friday, the convener of the coalition, Steve Aluko, described the killings as barbaric and dehumanizing.

He stated that the development posed a major setback to the economic and agricultural activities in the state. According to his words; “The coalition is deeply saddened by the recent killings and destruction of lives and property in Mangu, Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of the state.

“These happenings have resulted in the killing of more than 300 people. Thousands of people have been displaced from their ancestral lands and places of worship, foodstuff and businesses were also destroyed. The de-humanization and destruction of lives and property is barbaric and out rightly callous and, therefore, condemnable in all ramification,” he stated.

Mr. Steve Aluko commended the efforts of the state government and security agencies toward stemming the tide. He, however called for concerted efforts in addressing the plight of displaced persons, who have become refugees in different parts of the state. He particularly called on the security agencies to leverage intelligence gathering, early warning and early response mechanism to end the ugly phenomenon.