Envoys of death, pain, sorrow responsible for Plateau killings — Tinubu

…As Northern elders knock military

…We must free Nigeria from all acts of banditry, insurgency — Defence chief tells troops

President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to scout for and apprehend culprits of the Christmas Day attacks in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State, which left at least 100 persons dead.

Tinubu on Tuesday who described the act as “heinous and brutal attacks,” said the perpetrators who he described as “envoys of death, pain, and sorrow will not escape justice.”

A statement signed Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, read in reaction to the attack: “President Bola Tinubu strongly condemns the heinous and brutal attacks in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State, which resulted in the tragic loss of many lives.

“President Tinubu directs security agencies to immediately move in, scour every stretch of the zone, and apprehend the culprits.

“The President also directs immediate mobilisation of relief resources for surviving victims of the primitive and cruel attacks as well as a medical treatment for the wounded.”

While condoling with the government and the people of Plateau State, Tinubu assured Nigerians that “these envoys of death, pain, and sorrow will not escape justice.”

Over 100 persons were killed Monday Christmas as armed men attacked 12 communities in Bokkos local government area, while over 17 others died in coordinated attacks on three communities in Barkin Ladi LGA, home to the Plateau State Polytechnic.

According to survivors’ accounts, the attacks were carried out by persons believed to be herders who displaced thousands of settlers and destroyed property worth millions of Naira.

…Northern elders knock military over killings

Meanwhile the Northern Elders Forum has condemned what it described as “devastating” and “heinous attacks” on five communities in Plateau State, describing it as the latest in a series of coordinated attacks, rampant killings, and mass displacements that have plagued the northern region.

In a statement signed by NEF Director of Publicity and Advocacy,  Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, on Tuesday, the forum stated that it had reasons to suspect the government’s operational methods while raising concerns over the inability of the military to prevent the Christmas Eve killings despite claiming to have received 36 distress calls from different locations in the state.

“NEF strongly condemns this devastating act and expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this heinous crime. It is deeply distressing to witness the continuous deterioration of security in the conflict-affected areas of the North, which has led to countless lives being lost and a pervasive sense of fear and instability amongst the communities.

“Moreover, NEF expresses concern over the inability of the military to prevent the Christmas Eve killings, despite claiming to have promptly responded to 36 distress calls from different locations in Plateau State in the 48 hours leading up to Christmas.

“This highlights the Forum’s growing suspicions regarding the efficacy and sufficiency of the government’s operational methods. NEF questions whether the strategies employed by the government are flawed or grossly inadequate, given the audacious regularity and ease with which the attackers operate across the northern region,” the statement read.

While also raising concerns over the loss of lives of two persons, and the kidnap of 25 others, including the Wife of the Village Head in Ruwan Dorawa Village in Zamfara, Abdullahi demanded an investigation into security lapses that resulted in the kidnap, adding that the report must be made public, while those responsible are held accountable.

The statement added, “NEF is also deeply concerned about the recent security incident in Ruwan Dorawa village, Zamfara State. The tragic event that unfolded on the same Christmas Eve resulted in the loss of two innocent lives and the abduction of over 25 individuals, predominantly children and women, including the wife of the village head.

“In light of this incident and the escalating security challenges faced by the region, NEF urgently demands a comprehensive investigation into the reported security lapse in Ruwan Dorawa village.

“The findings of this inquiry must be made public, and those responsible for the security breach must be held accountable to ensure justice for the victims and prevent such incidents from reoccurring.”

Meanwhile, in his Christmas message, Abdullahi called on “all citizens and stakeholders to offer fervent prayers for the nation’s safety and security,” while also calling on religious leaders to lead followers “in supplication, beseeching divine intervention in bringing an end to insurgency, terrorism, and all forms of criminality.”

He added that the Forum remained committed to working closely with the government, security agencies and other stakeholders, to achieve lasting peace and security in the Northern region.

…We must free Nigeria from all acts of banditry, insurgency — Defence Chief tells troops

Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, has said it is a must for men of the Nigerian Army to free the country from all acts of criminality, banditry and insurgency.

Musa stated this on Tuesday while addressing troops as part of his familiarisation with the celebration of Christmas with troops of Operation Hadarin Daji in Sokoto.

He commended the troops for putting the interests of the country ahead while discharging their responsibilities.

“I want to commend you for remaining steadfast in the challenges facing us, some of us here are injured, some have lost their lives, families have been dismembered, with so many challenges we are facing and we continue to work hard.

“I want to encourage us, not to get tired but we must free our country from all acts of criminality, banditry and insurgency and we can do it.

“I want to assure you that as long as I remain the Chief of Defence Staff of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, I will give you all the support to ensure that you are able to achieve and perform your duty.

“The Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces has promised us in clear terms that he is ready to support us so that we can bring peace to our dear country.

“Most of us grow up in an atmosphere that was very good but it is unfortunate the way things are now, but we are gracious and happy that with our efforts and with God being with us, we are seeing some evidence of peace and we will continue to do more.

“I want to encourage every one of us not to relent or get tired, Nigeria must be free and we must do it, we have the capacity and the capability and the ability to do it.”