The recent Christmas Eve attacks on communities in Plateau, Nigeria, have sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, with the death toll now rising to 155. Monday Kassa, Chairman of Bokkos local government area, reported the grim recovery of over 20 bodies, bringing Bokkos’ toll to 125. Similarly, Barkin Ladi’s chairman, Danjuma Dakil, confirmed 30 deaths in his area, with over a thousand injured victims rushed to Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
Amnesty International has called for an urgent investigation into these killings, claiming that the gunmen operated unchecked for over 48 hours. “The Nigerian authorities must probe the security lapses that led to the death of over 140 people,” the organization stated.
Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, highlighted the severity of the situation. He called for President Bola Tinubu to establish an impartial panel to investigate the security agencies’ failure to prevent the bloodshed. Sanusi emphasized that the Nigerian government’s inability to address the violence is costing lives and livelihoods.
Kelvin Emmanuel, CEO of Dairy Hills Limited, stressed the need for immediate, attainable goals in Nigeria’s decarbonization efforts. He outlined critical objectives like promoting rural cooking gas use and ensuring low sulfur in Nigeria’s petrol, as well as implementing a hydrocarbon remediation program in the Niger Delta.
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) expressed frustration over the Federal Government’s failure to address the killings. Dr. Bitrus Pogu, National President of MBF, accused the government of complicity and called for self-help measures to protect the region’s people.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) also condemned the attacks and demanded a reassessment of military tactics. Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the forum’s spokesperson, called for a thorough investigation into the reported security lapses.
President Tinubu directed security forces to apprehend those responsible and mobilized resources for the survivors. His spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, conveyed the President’s condolences and commitment to justice.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Baptist Convention also strongly condemned the attacks. CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh urged enhanced security efforts, while Rev. Israel Adelani Akanji of the Nigerian Baptist Convention called for protection of Christians in the North.
