Pope calls for divine intervention as military sweeps isolated communities

In Jos, Plateau State, Pope Francis offered prayers for an end to the ongoing killings, joining other prominent figures in condemning the violence. He sought prayers for the victims of the recent violence in Nigerias Plateau State in a post on his official handle.


In Jos, Plateau State, Pope Francis offered prayers for an end to the ongoing killings, joining other prominent figures in condemning the violence. He sought prayers for the victims of the recent violence in Nigeria’s Plateau State in a post on his official handle.

On his @Pontifex account, he wrote, “Let us #PrayTogether for the victims of the severe violence in Nigeria’s Plateau State. May God free Nigeria from these horrors! Let us also pray for those who lost their lives in the explosion of a tanker truck in Liberia.”

Gunmen carried out attacks on 17 Plateau communities in the Barkin-ladi Local Government Area on Christmas Eve, resulting in the death of at least 195 people and the destruction of 221 houses, leaving around 10,000 displaced, as reported by NewsNow.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, visited Plateau State following the deployment of policemen to the affected communities, assuring the people of the full support of the police in addressing the menace. He stated that President Bola Tinubu had ordered the perpetrators of the heinous act to be apprehended and face the full force of the law.

Despite the ongoing security operation in the crisis areas, gunmen carried out another attack, resulting in the deaths of six people and injuring one person in two separate incidents in the state.

While three individuals were killed in Kwahaslalek Community in the Mangu Local Government Area on Saturday, three others were fatally shot in Durbi village, Jos East LGA.

Residents of the Kwahaslalek community confirmed the killings to NewsNow, attributing them to an attack by suspected gunmen.

A villager, Sunday Michael, recounted the tragic incident: “The Kwahaslalek community was sadly attacked last night (Saturday). The attackers were in their large numbers. They killed three persons and injured one. Sadly, one of those killed was Yakubu Difwat Dabit. The community is right now in grief as those killed are being buried.”

However, the police spokesman denied any attack on the Kwahaslalek community, stating that although some people died, it was a matter of criminality in the area and that they were pursuing the culprits.

Alfred, in a statement, also refuted any fresh attack in the Durbi community of Jos East, clarifying that it was a case of attempted kidnapping and culpable homicide, not an attack on the entire community.

The Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, Okoro Alawari, expressed condolences to the bereaved family and declared that the police are diligently investigating the case to bring the perpetrators to justice.

He reiterated the ban on the operation of tricycles and commercial motorcycles in the state, emphasizing the need for monitoring the security agents deployed in the areas.

Speaking with a correspondent in Jos, the Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, Kefas Mallai, highlighted the plight of the displaced persons and their desire to return to their communities despite the prevailing insecurity, urging the government to take action to protect them from further attacks.

NewsNow reported that the survivors of the attacks, taking refuge in various places, appealed to the Federal Government for protection and assistance.

Echoing the same sentiments, a displaced person in Mangu community, Titus Joshua, called for the constant monitoring of the deployed security agents and emphasized the need for permanent security posts in the attacked communities.

Meanwhile, the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah, urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize ending the incessant killings, asserting that the legitimacy of his administration hinges on resolving the crisis.

In his New Year message titled ‘Blood and Crucifixion on the Plateau,’ Kukah emphasized the urgency of bringing the perpetrators to justice and holding the government accountable for addressing the security challenges.

Expressing a similar stance, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, affirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to combat terrorism and restore peace in Plateau State during his visit to the state, accompanied by top military officials.

Matawalle underscored the government’s determination to overcome the security challenges and urged collaboration to tackle the situation effectively.

  • Continued on www.punchng.com

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the International Criminal Court to investigate the killings in Plateau State, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice to address the human rights violations.

In a letter to the ICC Prosecutor, SERAP highlighted the reluctance of Nigerian authorities to prosecute and address the grave human rights crimes, urging the ICC’s intervention to reassure the victims and prevent further violations.


ncG1vNJzZmimlazAr7vWp6CgnaKerm%2B6xminqKiVYrCiuMusZJ%2BnomKxqsLIp5xmoZ6psrPCxKeroqeeYq60ecyio6KskafGbr%2FWnpypq12ewLC4wK2cnWWTpLquwc2iq6Kdo2Q%3D

 Share!