The echoes of a grim Christmas resonate across Nigeria as the nation grapples with appalling violence, particularly in Plateau, Katsina, and Zamfara states – resulting in a cold bloodbath.
The recent onslaught of attacks, characterized as pure acts of terrorism and gruesome murders by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, has drawn widespread condemnation, including from prominent figures like the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The resultant toll includes a distressing number of casualties, with hundreds displaced from their communities. In Plateau State alone, more than 150 people have been confirmed dead in 15 communities, with about 300 others injured.
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Obi, expressing profound dismay, decried the escalating insecurity and bloodshed, likening the situation in Nigeria to countries embroiled in declared wars. He highlighted the dire circumstances faced by the country during the Christmas break, specifically addressing the harrowing incidents in Plateau, Zamfara, Kaduna, and other regions often overlooked in media coverage.
“After my sympathy visit to the Regent of Oba Community in Anambra State for the recent horrific killing of people in a nightclub in that community; plus the mindless act of terrorism that occurred on Christmas Day in Plateau State, where the death toll is now reportedly more than 100 with over 300 injured; with the saddening acts of violence that have occurred in Zamfara and Katsina States, where farmers were killed and several others kidnapped, and the many other violent attacks in many parts of the country, which may go unreported; my thoughts went to our overstretched security operatives,” Obi said in a series of poignant messages shared on social media.
“And to all the families who have lost their loved ones to these acts of violence, do accept my sincere condolences. These are very challenging times in our nation.
“Even some countries in open declared wars have not experienced this level of insecurity, violence and loss of human lives,” he added.
Governor Mutfwang, while addressing the horrifying attacks in Plateau State during an interview with ARISE NEWS, said that these brutal actions were not rooted in religious or farmer-herder conflicts. Instead, he categorized them as sheer criminality and terrorism, perpetuated on the eve of a revered day of remembrance.
“But I must say that this recent action has nothing to do with farmers-herders clash, has nothing to do with religion, this is pure criminality, this is pure terrorism… It’s quite unfortunate, but we will continue these engagements and also explore other ways by which we can be able to bring the situation under control,” Muftang said.
The governor highlighted the multifaceted approach taken by the state government, involving both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, including community engagements aimed at unraveling the underlying causes of the recurrent crisis. Despite these efforts, the recent onslaught of violence staggered the region, leaving devastation and displacement in its wake.
The collective sentiment among Nigerian leaders and citizens alike echoes the need for urgent and decisive action to stem the tide of violence. The nation finds itself at a critical juncture, grappling with the erosion of security and stability across multiple regions.
In the wake of these senseless killings, calls for unity, resilience, and prayers for a nation besieged by unprecedented insecurity reverberate.
Following these attacks, Nigerians have reminded President Bola Tinubu, whose campaign promises included security for the whole country, of the urgent need for cohesive strategies to restore peace, protect lives, and heal a nation torn asunder by violence.
However, the question that lingers amid the grief and turmoil is whether the present government is ready to step on toes to stem the tide of violence and pave the way toward a future where peace and security prevail.
The president has yet to comment on the bloodbath as of the time of filing this report.