The Tragic Killings in Plateau State: A Call for Action and Justice

His Holiness Pope Francis has expressed profound concern and offered condolences to the victims of the recent violent attacks in Nigeria’s Plateau State, where nearly 200 individuals were killed and thousands displaced by gunmen. The Pope’s impassioned appeal for an end to the bloodshed was conveyed via his official Twitter account, where he called on people to #PrayTogether for the victims and for divine intervention to liberate Nigeria from the scourge of violence.

Upon learning of the attacks, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, promptly visited Plateau State to assess the situation and provide assurance to the community regarding the full support of the police force in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Unfortunately, the violence persisted, resulting in further loss of life in separate incidents within the state.

Despite the implementation of heightened security measures and the active pursuit of the attackers by the police, the situation remains dire for the displaced persons, who are understandably hesitant to return to their communities for fear of additional attacks. The survivors have implored the government to afford them protection and have called upon the security agencies to root out the terrorists responsible for the bloodshed.

In a concerted effort to address the security challenges, the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah, has urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action in putting an end to the killings. The Bishop stressed the imperative of transparency in the investigation outcomes and the punishment of the culprits in order to restore public confidence in the government.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has reassured the people of Plateau State of the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating the terrorists. He underscored the significance of collaborative efforts in addressing the security challenges and articulated the President’s staunch determination to terminate the violence.

Amidst the grave human rights violations, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the International Criminal Court to initiate an investigation into the killings in Plateau State. The organization highlighted the failure of the Nigerian authorities to deliver justice and reparations for the victims and their families, emphasizing the urgent need for international intervention in addressing the prevalent culture of impunity.

The tragic events in Plateau State necessitate a united effort from the government, security agencies, and the international community to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice and that the affected communities receive the necessary protection and support. It is imperative to address the humanitarian crisis and guarantee the safety and well-being of the displaced persons as they strive to return to their homes. The call for action and justice must be heeded in order to prevent further bloodshed and to restore peace and stability in the region.