By Dr Sunday Dare, CON.
As President Tinubu moves to end the two- decade old bloodletting and killings in Plateau State, a final respite might be in sight. The visits of the NSA Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and military top brass to the State raises the stakes and demonstrates the commitment of the Federal Government to put an end to these senseless killings.
President Tinubu’s reaction and directives that perpetrators must be found and punished sets the stage. President Bola Tinubu :
“The report of another violent attack in communities in Plateau State by mindless gunmen saddens me. The latest attacks on defenceless citizens are unacceptable. I have directed security agencies to hunt down the attackers, and they will face severe punishment when apprehended. These intermittent attacks should have no place in our country at a time when we are working so hard to restore peace and order in all parts of our country. This unfortunate incident will never dampen and slow us down in our duty to protect every Nigerian citizen. Instead, we will work harder to exterminate forces of evil wherever they are lurking in our country.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families and all those affected by this senseless violence. No community should have to endure such tragedy. We all must unite to foster peace and stability. I urge all citizens—regardless of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations—to uphold the shared humanity that binds us all, embrace peace and reject retaliation.”
On January 20, 2010 I wrote a piece titled, “From Peace Home to Killing Fields” in reference to the bloodletting that engulfed Plateau State. My Senior and only brother was butchered to death in his bedroom. I am sure many more people can recall heart wrending stories of how they lost their loved ones or fled the killing fields of Plateau.
Indeed, innocent lives were lost by all sides to the conflicts not to talk of Properties.
The most recent killings in Bokkos, the third in a row concentrates the mind. Nearly two decades down the road, Plateau State has lost thousands of lives and about to loose its soul. It’s very existence. People, families, investors will continue to flee. Plateau needs Peace. Reconciliation. Healing. Justice and above all Security. That Is the commitment of Mr. President.
