In the aftermath of the Christmas eve massacre that claimed the lives of at least 195 individuals in Plateau State, the Middle-Belt Forum (MBF) revealed a harrowing development.
The MBF Deputy National President, Stanley Kavwam, disclosed in an interview on Arise TV that Pushit community in Mangu LGA had received a fresh attack notice from insurgents, adding a new layer of dread to an already tragic situation.
Kavwam, expressing deep concern, stated that anonymous individuals delivered letters detailing previous attacks on Mangu LGA, with the ominous revelation that the terrorists were planning to strike Pushit community on December 29.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the recent massacre and a lack of apprehensions, Kavwam’s revelation underscores the ongoing threat faced by vulnerable communities.
In response to the escalating crisis, the United Nations and the Northern Caucus of the House of Representatives, alongside Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, called for a comprehensive investigation into the attacks.
The urgency of the situation was further emphasized by Bishop Francis Oke of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), urging President Bola Tinubu to deploy federal resources to end the escalating insecurity in Plateau State.
Prophet Isa El-Buba, convener of the Initiative for a Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN), took a bold stance, calling on President Tinubu to interrupt his holidays and address the security crisis. El-Buba specifically advocated for the submission of a comprehensive bill for state policing to the National Assembly, underscoring the need for immediate and concrete action.
The recent coordinated attacks on 25 Plateau communities, resulting in significant casualties, displaced populations, and widespread destruction, have left the nation reeling.
Kavwam asserted that the military possesses intelligence on the attackers and their hideouts, raising questions about the effectiveness of security measures.
Despite distress calls made to security personnel before the Christmas eve massacre, the attacks proceeded without intervention, leaving Christian settlements vulnerable for extended periods.
Kavwam highlighted the constitutional imperative for the government to prioritize the welfare and security of its citizens, emphasizing the need for a swift and decisive response.
As Plateau State faces a critical juncture, various voices, including the Bokkos Local Government Like-minds Association and former Presidential Candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, have condemned the attacks.
Olawepo-Hashim, in particular, called for rapid security reforms and a commitment to addressing the root causes of the recurring violence.
The Plateau socio-cultural group echoed the call for increased efforts by security agencies, emphasizing the importance of information sharing, arrest, and prosecution of perpetrators.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government assured the public of its commitment to scaling up intelligence gathering and crisis response in the affected regions.
Amid these assurances, the UN Rights Chief, Volker Turk, expressed deep alarm over the attacks, calling for a prompt, thorough, and independent investigation to hold those responsible accountable.
The Northern Caucus of the House of Representatives echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for justice and lasting solutions to the recurring violence in Plateau State.
As the nation grapples with this seemingly unending horror, calls for a comprehensive investigation, security reforms, and immediate government action underscore the gravity of the situation.
The collective hope is that these efforts will bring an end to the cycle of violence that has plagued Plateau State, providing a glimmer of hope for the affected communities and the nation at large.
