Northern senators condemn Plateau killings, demand urgent action

The Northern Senators Forum has strongly condemned the recent wave of violence in Plateau State, Nigeria, following attacks that reportedly killed at least 25 people, primarily women and children. The forum, representing senators from 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, issued a statement calling for urgent measures to break the cycle of bloodshed.

Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, chairman of the forum, expressed condolences to the victims' families and highlighted the sustained attacks in areas like Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi over the past three years. These attacks have led to significant loss of life, injuries, displacement, and destruction of property and farmlands. The senators emphasized that justice, not reprisal, should guide the response to the violence.

“

The Northern Senators Forum commiserates with the families of those killed in the overnight attack in Plateau State on 18th August, where at least 25 people, mostly women and children, were hacked to death in their homes according to local officials and residents.

In addition to condemning the attacks, the forum urged increased investment in security technology. This includes deploying drones, CCTV cameras, and early warning systems, particularly in identified flashpoints. They also called for genuine dialogue among farmers, herders, and traditional institutions to address land use disputes and compensation for damages.

The senators acknowledged President Bola Tinubu's recent visit to Plateau State and the federal government's interventions. However, they pressed the Plateau State government to take further action within its constitutional and budgetary powers to tackle the underlying causes of the crisis. The forum also commended the Nigerian Army and the Joint Task Force for their response, including the relocation of a tactical headquarters to Mangu to improve response times.

“

This cycle of bloodshed must end.